Senate GOP Blocks Effort to Stop Trump’s Strikes on Drug Boats Near Venezuela
Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a Democrat-led attempt to limit President Donald J. Trump’s ability to carry out U.S. military strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels operating off the coast of Venezuela — a move the White House says is part of its broader effort to combat transnational narco-terrorism.
In a 48–51 vote, the Senate defeated a resolution sponsored by Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) under the War Powers Act. The measure sought to prohibit U.S. military engagement with “any non-state organization engaged in the promotion, trafficking, and distribution of illegal drugs” without explicit authorization from Congress, according to CBS News.
“There has been no authorization to use force by Congress in this way,” Schiff argued before the vote. “The strikes risk escalating into a full-blown conflict with Venezuela. I feel it is plainly unconstitutional.”
The Trump administration has confirmed four precision strikes since September 2 targeting vessels allegedly connected to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, and El Salvador’s MS-13 — all groups that the administration has formally designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Officials report at least 21 cartel operatives killed in the operations.
In a report submitted to Congress after the second strike, the White House stated that the U.S. is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with cartel networks, calling their narcotics operations “an armed attack against American citizens.” The administration argues that the flood of fentanyl and other deadly drugs constitutes a national security threat equivalent to terrorism.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the president’s actions during a meeting with GOP senators, saying President Trump is acting lawfully and decisively to protect Americans.
“These are targeted strikes against imminent threats against the United States,” Rubio said.
Democrats and a small number of Republicans have questioned that justification. Kaine claimed the administration hasn’t provided sufficient intelligence on the targets or a clear legal framework for the mission.
“The White House does not maintain there’s any congressional authorization,” Kaine complained. “These military actions should stop unless authorized by Congress — not permanently, but until Congress acts.”
Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, presidents must consult Congress before introducing U.S. forces into hostilities unless a declaration of war or specific authorization is granted. Without it, operations must cease within 90 days.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) remained one of the few Republican critics, arguing the strikes lack sufficient proof of guilt.
“If anyone gave a you-know-what about justice, perhaps those in charge of deciding whom to kill might let us know their names, present proof of their guilt, show evidence of their crimes,” Paul said on the Senate floor.
But other Republicans firmly backed the administration. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) said the president’s actions were “fully compliant and fully justified.”
The vote reflects a broader philosophical divide in Washington over how to confront the international drug cartels fueling America’s overdose crisis. Earlier this year, Kaine pushed a similar measure to restrict the president’s ability to strike Iranian military targets — another effort that Congress rejected.
Schiff closed the debate by warning that allowing the U.S. to use force abroad without congressional approval could set a dangerous precedent.
“We’re blowing up ships thousands of miles from our shore,” Schiff said. “What is to stop another nation from doing the same thing and calling it self-defense?”
For now, President Trump’s anti-cartel campaign continues, with strong backing from Senate Republicans who argue the Commander-in-Chief must have the authority to neutralize threats before they reach American shores.