Overview

• A bipartisan War Powers measure to restrict further strikes failed 48–51, with Republicans Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski voting yes and Democrat John Fetterman voting no.
• The White House says the military has conducted four strikes on suspected drug boats since Sept. 2 near Venezuela, resulting in at least 21 deaths.
• The administration has told Congress it views the campaign as a non‑international armed conflict and has labeled groups such as Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and MS‑13 as terrorist or narco‑terrorist entities.
• Two U.S. officials say lawmakers have not been given underlying proof the targeted vessels carried narcotics, with the administration pointing publicly only to strike videos and offering limited details in briefings.
• Nearly 60 rights and faith groups urged Congress to halt the operations, warning of regional escalation as Venezuela and other leaders condemn the strikes and Trump signals potential moves beyond the sea.