Senator Murray Statement on Senate Vote for Caribbean Sea War Powers Resolution

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on her vote for S.J.Res.83, a Joint Resolution that would terminate the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities in the Latin American region, including against vessels in the Caribbean Sea, unless Congress explicitly authorizes the use of force through a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force (AUMF).

Since September 2^nd, President Trump has directed four lethal strikes against small boats in the Caribbean region without Congressional authorization-killing at least 21 unidentified individuals. The Joint Resolution senators voted on today does not constrain the President's authority to otherwise use the U.S. Armed Forces in support of civilian authorities for counternarcotics operations, or to defend the U.S. from an imminent threat or armed attack.

"The Constitution is clear: no President can go to war without Congress-but over the past month, President Trump has been directing lethal strikes in the Caribbean, killing 21 people without justification or evidence these strikes were necessary for self-defense. These dangerous and illegal abuses of power put all Americans at risk and they cannot continue.

"We are not at war with Venezuela, and Americans do not want to be dragged into a war with Venezuela because this White House wrongly believes they can kill anyone they want, without regard for the law or Congress. The President does not have unlimited legal authority to conduct military action-this White House is once again taking our country down a perilous slippery slope that no senator should accept. President Trump is not above the law and Republicans need to grow a spine and join Democrats to end these illegal abuses of power."

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