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Senators Seek to Limit Executive Authority Following Strikes Against Drug⁢ Cartels

Following recent U.S. military ​strikes targeting drug cartels⁣ near Venezuela, Senators Adam schiff and Tim Kaine have ‍introduced a war powers resolution aimed at clarifying the scope of presidential authority to use military force abroad. The resolution explicitly states that the trafficking ‌of illegal drugs ⁣does not constitute an armed attack or imminent ‌threat of attack justifying military action​ under existing⁢ authorizations.

The move comes amidst a ‍broader⁢ push ⁢from ⁤lawmakers across the political spectrum to reassert Congressional authority over ​military actions, particularly in light of expansive Authorizations for Use of Military Force (aumfs)‌ passed after ‍the 9/11 attacks. These AUMFs have been utilized by multiple administrations to justify military operations against terrorist groups globally. While former‌ President Trump designated ⁢certain Venezuela-based groups, like Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations, Congress has not authorized military force specifically ⁢against these entities.

The recent strikes have sparked debate. While ‌some Republican lawmakers have ⁢expressed support, Senator Rand Paul has sharply criticized the Trump management’s actions, specifically objecting ⁤to comments⁣ made by ‍Vice President J.D. Vance who ⁢stated that ​”killing cartel members ⁣who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military.” Paul responded,‌ calling such a statement a “despicable and thoughtless sentiment” ⁤and criticizing the glorification of ⁤killing without due process.

Schiff indicated ongoing engagement with Republican senators at the staff level, expressing a desire for bipartisan support for the resolution. As a privileged resolution, the Senate is obligated to vote‌ on the measure in ⁣the near future,⁣ though⁣ the exact timing ‍remains uncertain.

The White House has responded critically to ‌the resolution. Deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly⁢ labeled the ‍effort as “shameful,” accusing ‌Democrats of “running cover for evil narcoterrorists” and highlighting the notable number of American deaths⁣ due ‌to⁣ drug overdoses. Kelly ⁤defended the President’s ​actions as‌ being ⁢in line with the laws of armed‌ conflict and fulfilling a promise to address the cartel threat.

Furthermore, draft legislation is reportedly being circulated‍ within the White⁤ House‍ and on Capitol Hill that would grant President Trump broad authority to target groups ⁢involved in terrorism ‌and drug‍ trafficking, as well as the nations that provide them safe harbor. ⁢Schiff expressed ‍skepticism⁣ that such sweeping legislation could pass Congress, calling it a potentially “new and breathtaking low” for the⁤ legislative branch. he emphasized the dangers of granting the President ​new, broad authority to use deadly force, particularly given the expansive interpretation of post-9/11 ⁤authorizations.