Leaders on the Senate Intelligence Committee anticipate receiving a bipartisan briefing this week regarding a recent U.S. strike on a drug vessel off the coast of Venezuela. Lawmakers seek further details from the White House on this operation, which Trump officials suggest is the beginning of a wider military campaign. Several Democratic sources indicated they were not informed about the operation and are looking for clarification on its legal justification. This mirrors concerns raised by Democrats after previous U.S. airstrikes on Iran. U.S. officials stated the strike targeted drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of eleven cartel members. However, the action is also seen as potentially linked to desires for regime change in Venezuela. Senator Mark Kelly, while supporting efforts to stop drugs, expressed concern about the lack of official briefing and the potential for actions outside legal boundaries. Senator Chris Coons also voiced concern over not receiving any information about the strike. Conversely, Senator James Risch confirmed he has been briefed as a senior member of the Intel committee, but declined to share details due to classification. Senator Bernie Moreno supported the strike, believing it necessary to prevent drugs from reaching the U.S. and stating Congress does not need prior notification. The strike was announced by Trump as part of his intensified war on drugs, with escalating tensions and U.S. naval presence near Venezuela, where the Maduro regime has been labeled a drug-trafficking terrorist cartel.