The U.S. Senate has voted narrowly to reject legislation that would have forced the withdrawal of American forces from operations against foreign drug-smuggling narcoterrorists.
The move handed President Donald Trump a major victory in his fight to keep pressure on transnational criminal networks and drug cartels.
The measure was sponsored by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).
It was filed under the War Powers Act of 1973 and aimed to limit Trump’s authority to target cartel-linked vessels operating in international waters.
The resolution failed in a 48-51 vote.
Only two Republicans, Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-ME), joined Democrats in supporting the measure.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) broke with his party to side with Republicans in blocking the legislation.
Targeting Cartel-Linked Vessels
The fight in Congress follows a series of U.S. military operations against the Venezuelan cartel Tren de Aragua.
At least four vessels tied to the gang were struck in September and October after U.S. intelligence indicated they were carrying narcotics bound for the United States.
During the operations, at least 21 cartel members were killed, which the White House formally reported to Congress under the War Powers Act.
In his notification, Trump described the cartel as a direct threat to U.S. national security, citing its “paramilitary capabilities” and ties to Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro.
“The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in international waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States,” Trump wrote on Truth Social following the first strike in early September.
The administration has since classified Tren de Aragua and other major cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Democrats Push Back
Schiff and Kaine argued that Trump’s actions overstepped executive authority, insisting that narcotics trafficking cannot legally be considered an “armed attack” warranting military strikes without congressional approval.
“Congress supports efforts to stop narcotics from reaching the United States,” the Democrats wrote, but argued intelligence, law enforcement, and diplomatic tools should take precedence.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) went further after the vote, claiming:
“We are not at war with Venezuela, and Americans do not want to be dragged into a war with Venezuela because this White House wrongly believes they can kill anyone they want, without regard for the law or Congress.”
Kaine also accused the Trump administration of failing to justify why “standard interdiction methods” were not used instead of lethal strikes.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), one of two Republicans to break ranks, echoed that criticism.
“Blowing up boats without due process could risk unintended escalation and trigger regime change efforts—an approach history has repeatedly shown to fail,” Paul said on X.
Republicans Stand With Trump
Most Republicans backed Trump’s authority as commander in chief to defend U.S. security interests, arguing that Congress should not micromanage the military in real time against international cartels.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) said Democrats were playing politics at the expense of national security.
“The president has acted to stop deadly narcotics and protect the homeland,” he said.
“That is his constitutional responsibility, and we should support it.”
Fetterman, breaking with his Democrat colleagues, pointed to his pro-Israel stance as part of a broader view on confronting threats to American and allied security.
“I’m with the president on this one,” he told reporters.
The Larger Fight
The vote underscores the ongoing debate over the War Powers Act, which restricts U.S. military actions without congressional authorization to 60 days, plus a 30-day withdrawal window.
Presidents of both parties have long argued that the law infringes on executive authority.
For Trump, the failed resolution represents a green light to continue striking cartel vessels, which is a core part of his pledge to treat drug cartels like terrorist organizations.
“This is about defending America from deadly threats,” Trump said earlier this fall.
“We will not allow narco-terrorists to operate freely on the high seas.”
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