WASHINGTON - The Trump governance has provided Congress with seven classified briefings regarding recent U.S. military boat strikes, according to multiple lawmakers speaking sunday. The disclosures come as the administration weighs potential further military action related to Venezuela adn colombia,prompting calls for greater congressional oversight.
The briefings, confirmed by both Republican and Democratic members of Congress, aim to keep lawmakers informed about evolving situations, but frustration is mounting over a perceived lack of clarity and the timing of information delivery. Representative Mike Smith stated, “This is somewhat bipartisan. I’ve spoken to Chairman Mike Rogers,good freind,chairman of the Armed Services committee,I work closely with. He hasn’t gotten the answers either,” adding that he’d like to have a hearing. He noted that scheduling a hearing has been “complicated” by Speaker Mike Johnson keeping the House out of session amid the shutdown.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Trump, defended the president’s authority to authorize more extensive military operations as pressure increases on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. “That’s a real possibility,” Graham said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” when asked about potential land strikes Trump has recently alluded to. He added that the president informed him Congress would be briefed on “future potential military operations against Venezuela and Colombia” upon his return from Asia.
Graham further stated, “There will be a congressional briefing about a potential expanding from the sea to the land. I support that idea, but I think he has all the authority he needs.” The administration’s actions are unfolding against a backdrop of escalating regional instability and concerns over illicit activities emanating from Venezuela.
CNN’s Annie Grayer and Ali Main contributed to this report.
