Overview
- Senators rejected the bipartisan resolution 51–49, with Republicans Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats to try to require approval for any strikes against Venezuela.
- After classified briefings, lawmakers said the Justice Department memo justifying operations covers boat strikes and does not authorize attacks inside Venezuela, while the administration argues the actions do not constitute “hostilities.”
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new Caribbean strike that killed three, putting the publicly acknowledged tally at 17 operations and roughly 70 people killed since early September.
- Officials are reported to be seeking additional Office of Legal Counsel guidance for potential land strikes as critics press for evidence identifying targets, narcotics, and those killed.
- A major U.S. military buildup near Venezuela continues, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, other warships, and bomber flyovers, drawing United Nations censure and regional concern.