Senate Rejects Bid to Curb Trump’s Caribbean Strikes

The New American ^ | October 9, 2025 | Veronika Kyrylenko

[E. Pluribus Unum]

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate narrowly defeated a resolution that would have restrained President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military strikes on non-state actors in the Caribbean. The measure, titled “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities that have not been authorized by Congress,” was sponsored by Democratic Senators Tim Kaine (Va.) and Adam Schiff (Calif.). It failed by a count of 48 to 51.

Under the final tally, two Republicans — Senators Rand Paul (Ky.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) — bucked party lines to support the motion. On the Democratic side, Senator John Fetterman (Pa.) voted against it. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) did not cast a vote.

The legislation would have required a formal debate and vote in Congress before the president carries out further military strikes under the justification of combating drug trafficking. Kaine and Schiff asserted that Congress must reclaim its constitutional power over war.

Proponents of the resolution argued that U.S. air and naval strikes in recent weeks had occurred without adequate oversight. Opponents, largely Republicans, warned that the measure would undercut the president’s flexibility to act swiftly against the drug threat and, potentially, in the Middle East.

Background to U.S. Strikes

The Senate vote came amid growing controversy over a series of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean targeting vessels alleged to be carrying illegal drugs. Since September 2, the Trump administration has acknowledged at least four such operations in international waters off Venezuela. Some reports suggest there might have been as many as six.

The first strike, announced on September 2, destroyed a small vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 people. President Trump said those aboard were members of Tren de...

---

TOPICS: Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: paul; rand; randpaul

[silverleaf]

How can these clowns get “ power over war” when they can’t even keep the federal govt operating with bipartisan responsibility

[TheThirdRuffian]

So the Democrats support drug smugglers, too?

Maybe Trump should support green house gas limits so the Democrats will oppose that and the he can agree with their opposition and we can be done with that nonsense.

[shelterguy]

“”””Under the final tally, two Republicans — Senators Rand Paul (Ky.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) — bucked party lines to support the motion. “”””

Two morons who consistently vote with the democrats. SHOCKED!!!!!!

[Ronald77]

Wonder which senators the drug cartels are paying off?

[Fledermaus]

Typical. Paul and CowAlaska...Dems deep down.

[SmokingJoe]

Even if it had passed in the US Senate, it would have failed in the House.

[ridesthemiles]

KAINE & SCHIFF MISSING THEIR SHARE?

[ComputerGuy]

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) did not cast a vote.

Why not?

[MeanWestTexan]

Apparently he was in negotiations re: the budget and they knew his vote wasn’t needed, so he stayed in negotiations.

[tlozo]

Two morons who consistently vote with the democrats. SHOCKED!!!!!!

Even worse, it was sponsored by Rand Paul, along with Bernie Sanders and Adam Schiff.

Democratic Senators led by Adam Schiff of California and Tim Kaine of Virginia sponsored it along with Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

[ComputerGuy]

Thanks

[DIRTYSECRET]

I would be nice if the bombs DIDN’T explode. Make the bad guys swim for it or be shark food.

[metmom]

I’m disappointed that Cruz didn’t vote unless he had a REALLY, REALLY good reason for not being there.

[nwrep]

So Fetterman saved Trump?

[Republican Wildcat]

So Fetterman saved Trump?

48 to 51 was the vote. Would have been 49 to 50 with Fetterman flipping.

[SunkenCiv]

[snip] sponsored by Democratic Senators Tim Kaine (Va.) and Adam Schiff (Calif.)... two Republicans [in name only] — Senators Rand Paul (Ky.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) — bucked party lines to support the motion. On the Democratic side, Senator John Fetterman (Pa.) voted against it. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) did not cast a vote. [/snip]

• Rand Paul: The Constitution Does Not Allow the President To Unilaterally Blow Suspected Drug Smugglers to Smithereens [10/09/2025]
  • VIDEO: Rand Paul Publicly Condemns Trump's Strikes On Venezuelan Boats, Demand He Show Evidence [10/09/2025]
• Once a loyal foot soldier for Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene is increasingly bucking her party [10/09/2025]
  • Dems Rebelling Against Trump Resurrect Confederate Talking Points [10/09/2025]
• Nepo Baby Chelsea Clinton Launches Yet Another Sleep Inducing Podcast [video, Maureen Callahan's take] [10/09/2025]
  • I miss Nancy Pelosi. Where is she with her statements putting Trump and conservatives in their places? [10/09/2025]
• Trump's Latest Shutdown Threat Is Making Democrats' Skin Crawl [10/09/2025]
  • Democrats win momentum over GOP in shutdown fight [10/09/2025]
• Today in History: October 9, Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize [10/09/2025]
  • Babylon Bee: Greta Thunberg Awarded Nobel Prize For Ending The War In Gaza [10/09/2025]
  • Babylon Bee: Hitler Brings Peace To Israel [10/09/2025]
• The MAGA Whisperer: Publicist Vanessa Santos Reps a Who's Who of Conservative Voices Others Won't Touch [10/09/2025]

[silverleaf]

Look hard at Rand Paul
He’s gone off the rails