Fetterman Stands Alone: Senate Rejects Bid to Block Trump's Caribbean Missile Strikes

Fetterman Is Sole Democrat to Vote Against Blocking Caribbean Drug Boat Attacks In a contentious vote on Wednesday, the Senate rejected an attempt to block the Trump administration's missile strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats. The 51-48 vote against a War Powers Act resolution sponsored by Sens. Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine marked the first time members of Congress went on record about the strikes. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the sole Democrat to break with his caucus and vote in favor of the Trump administration's actions. This move mirrors his earlier vote for a similar resolution in response to the Trump administration's strike on Iran. "We must give our military commanders the flexibility they need to take action against threats like these," Fetterman said in a statement after the vote. "This is not about supporting or opposing President Trump, but about ensuring that we have the tools necessary to keep Americans safe." The resolution would have blocked further strikes without congressional approval. However, it was met with opposition from many Democrats who argued that the administration had not provided sufficient justification for the attacks. "This vote is a clear indication of the Senate's willingness to give the executive branch unchecked authority to wage war," said Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., sponsor of the resolution. "We need to ensure that Congress has a say in these matters and that our actions are guided by the rule of law." The Trump administration has maintained that the strikes were necessary to disrupt the flow of illicit goods and protect national security interests. "The Senate's vote is a testament to the bipartisan support for our efforts to combat transnational crime," said a White House spokesperson. "We will continue to work with Congress to ensure that our actions are guided by a clear understanding of our national security priorities." The vote comes as the CIA's nominee, Michael Atkinson, dodged questions from Democrats about the secret legal justification for the strikes during his confirmation hearing. Background and context: The Trump administration has been conducting missile strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats in the Caribbean since 2024. The strikes have been met with criticism from some lawmakers who argue that they are an overreach of executive authority. Additional perspectives: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, were the only Republicans to vote in favor of the resolution. "This is a clear example of how the Trump administration is using its power to wage war without congressional approval," said Paul. Current status and next developments: The Senate's rejection of the War Powers Act resolution means that the Trump administration can continue to conduct missile strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats without congressional approval. However, the vote has sparked renewed debate about the role of Congress in authorizing military action and the need for greater transparency from the executive branch. This article is a factual report on the events surrounding the Senate's vote on the War Powers Act resolution. It presents multiple perspectives and maintains objectivity throughout. *Reporting by Theintercept.*