Gallego Files War Powers Resolution to Prevent Illegal War

Gallego's Resolution calls for armed forces to cease hostilities in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean

WASHINGTON - Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) filed a War Powers Resolution that orders the U.S. Armed Forces to immediately cease hostilities against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean unless authorized by Congress.

"If the President believes the use of military force is necessary, he needs to come talk to Congress first and make that case. The decision to use military force is one that requires serious debate, and the power to declare war unambiguously belongs to Congress under the Constitution," said Senator Gallego. "As an Iraq war veteran, I know the costs of rushing into an unnecessary war and that the American people will not stand for it."

The U.S. military carried out its first strikes on September 2nd, and since then, they have killed more than 95 individuals in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean in subsequent strikes. To date, the administration has provided little evidence to support its drug trafficking claims and few details about who or what was on board each vessel.

Under the War Powers Resolution, the President must terminate any use of the Armed Forces within 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of force. The sixty-day deadline has long passed, following the initial notification on September 4th. Senator Gallego's resolution directs the President to comply with the law and cease hostilities in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, barring congressional approval.

The War Powers Resolution is privileged, meaning the Senate will be required to promptly consider and vote on the measure.

Read the full resolution HERE.

December 17, 2025