"Pentagon Blocks Congressional Staffers from Venezuela Boat Strike Briefing"

Pentagon Blocks Congressional Oversight of Venezuela Boat Strike, Sparking Concerns Over Transparency The Pentagon has restricted senior House staff from attending a briefing on the US military's strike against a boat off Venezuela, citing "alternative compensatory control measures" to maintain secrecy. This move has sparked concerns over congressional oversight and transparency regarding the Trump administration's actions in the region. According to sources familiar with the matter, President Donald Trump publicly announced the second attack on September 15, 2025, stating that US forces conducted a strike against a boat in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, which covers the Caribbean and all of South America. In a post on TruthSocial, he wrote, "BE WARNED IF YOU ARE TRANSPORTING DRUGS THAT CAN KILL AMERICANS, WE ARE HUNTING YOU!" The decision to bar senior House staff from attending the briefing has raised eyebrows among lawmakers, who are concerned about the lack of transparency and oversight. "This is a clear attempt by the Pentagon to stonewall congressional oversight," said a senior Democratic aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We need to know more about the planning and execution of this operation, and we can't get that information because the Pentagon is blocking our access." The strike against the boat off Venezuela's coast has been shrouded in secrecy, with details about the planning and execution remaining classified. According to a report by The Intercept, the first drone strike occurred earlier this month, but the full details of the operation are still unknown. The move by the Pentagon has sparked concerns among lawmakers and experts who argue that it undermines congressional oversight and transparency. "This is a classic example of the executive branch trying to circumvent congressional authority," said Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer. "By restricting access to information, the Pentagon is making it impossible for Congress to do its job." The current status of the situation remains unclear, but lawmakers are vowing to push for greater transparency and oversight. "We will not be silenced by the Pentagon's attempts to stonewall us," said a senior House staffer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We will continue to demand answers about this operation and ensure that Congress is fully informed." The incident has also raised questions about the Trump administration's actions in the region and its commitment to transparency and accountability. As one expert noted, "This is not just about the Pentagon's secrecy; it's about the administration's broader approach to national security and its willingness to disregard congressional oversight." This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.