Overview
- The Senate voted 51–49 to block a war powers measure that sought to require congressional authorization before any U.S. attack on Venezuelan territory.
- Republicans Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in support of the resolution, which followed weeks of briefings that left many lawmakers dissatisfied.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new strike on a boat in the Caribbean that killed three people, bringing the publicly acknowledged tally to 17 strikes and at least 70 dead.
- Administration officials told lawmakers the existing Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel opinion covers only strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling vessels and not targets inside Venezuela, and they are seeking additional guidance.
- With a major U.S. military buildup in the region—including the USS Gerald R. Ford—continuing, the White House argues the boat strikes are not 'hostilities' under the War Powers Resolution even as U.N. and legal experts question their legality and evidence.