Summary
Senate Republicans blocked a proposal to stop the U.S. military from striking boats suspected of drug trafficking off Venezuela's coast. The Trump administration conducted strikes on at least four boats since early September, leading to deaths and increased tensions with Venezuela. A resolution that sought to limit these military actions failed in the Senate with a 48-51 vote.
Key Facts
- Senate Republicans stopped a measure to prevent U.S. strikes on drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela.
- President Trump’s administration claims four strikes have occurred since September 2.
- These strikes killed at least 21 people and increased tensions with Venezuela.
- Democrats pushed for a vote on these strikes based on the War Powers Act but lost 48-51.
- Two Republicans supported the measure, while one Democrat opposed it.
- The resolution aimed to require Congress's approval before U.S. military actions against non-state groups involved in illegal drug activities.
- Concerns were raised about the lack of information on the necessity and legality of the strikes.
- Colombia's President said a “war scenario” is unfolding in the Caribbean, claiming a boat with Colombian citizens was targeted.
