Senate Rejects Bill to Limit Military Action Against Venezuela

URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. Senate has rejected a critical bill aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military strikes against Venezuela. The decision comes as the U.S. launched its 17th deadly strike this week against an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, raising alarms among lawmakers from both parties.

Just hours ago, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the latest attack on Thursday resulted in the deaths of three individuals involved in narcotics trafficking. In a statement supporting the military action, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) emphasized, “What President Trump is doing is not only lawful but necessary. We have a drug caliphate in our backyard.”

As tensions escalate, Graham called for a more aggressive approach against Venezuela. “We got to do more than blow up the boat. We got to go to the problem on the land,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing the drug crisis.

Earlier today, the Senate debated a resolution that sought to require congressional approval for any direct military strikes on Venezuela. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) warned of the implications of the military buildup, noting that “currently about 10% of the United States Navy is arrayed around Venezuela.” He cautioned that the increased frequency of strikes could lead to a situation that necessitates Congressional debate and a vote.

On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) expressed support for the resolution, asserting that the executive branch does not possess the authority to “kill at will anyone, anywhere, at any time, for any reason.” Paul voiced concerns about the U.S. potentially being dragged into a war without proper Congressional oversight.

The legislation ultimately failed to pass, with only two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Paul, voting in favor. This narrow defeat underscores the growing divide in Congress over military engagement and the need for checks on presidential power.

As this situation develops, the focus remains on the implications of U.S. military presence in the region and the potential for further strikes. Lawmakers are urging a thorough discussion on the matter, as the stakes continue to rise in the Caribbean.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.