Overview

• The Senate voted 48–51 to defeat a resolution that sought to halt or limit the president’s authority to conduct lethal strikes on suspected trafficking boats in the Caribbean.
• The measure was led by Adam Schiff with support from Tim Kaine, Ron Wyden and Bernie Sanders, arguing the Constitution reserves war powers to Congress.
• Backers of the resolution said illegal drug trafficking does not constitute an armed attack, urging an end to force unless explicitly authorized by Congress.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Republicans to oppose the measure, asserting the president does not need new authorization and describing the targets as imminent threats.
• Reporting cites at least five boats destroyed and about 21 people killed since September 2, with the U.S. deploying at least eight warships, a nuclear-powered attack submarine and more than 4,500 personnel, as senators say briefings left key legal and targeting questions unanswered.