Congressional Action on Military Strike Video
US lawmakers are seeking to compel the Trump administration to release video footage of a military strike by implementing a restriction on the travel budget for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The measure is included within a defense spending bill currently under consideration.
The incident in question occurred on September 2, involving a second strike on a vessel in the Caribbean. This event has prompted scrutiny regarding the operational procedures for targeting suspected drug-carrying vessels.
Defense Spending Bill Details
A provision within a comprehensive draft defense spending bill, which is expected to pass with bipartisan support, would limit travel funds for the Office of the Secretary of Defense until specific requirements are met. The bill authorizes approximately $901 billion in funding.
This provision stipulates that the Secretary's office may utilize no more than 75% of its allocated travel funds for the year 2026 until it provides all "unedited video of strikes conducted against designated terrorist organizations in the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command" to the House and Senate armed services committees. This wording reflects the administration's characterization of such maritime strikes.
Administration's Stance and Justification
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the decision to release the video rests with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, despite previous remarks where he indicated he would have "no problem" with its public disclosure.
The administration has justified its actions by asserting it is engaged in a non-international armed conflict with alleged traffickers. President Trump claimed that each sunken vessel had saved "25,000 American lives" and significantly reduced maritime drug trafficking to the U.S. Public evidence for criminality in each specific case has not been provided by the administration.
Legality and Expert Concerns
Experts have raised questions regarding the legality of the strikes. Specifically concerning the September 2 incident, they reference the laws of war, which generally obligate parties in an armed conflict to rescue wounded survivors rather than target them again. Reports from the Washington Post indicate that nine individuals died in the initial strike, and two survivors clinging to the wreckage were killed in the subsequent strike.
The White House has maintained that its operations adhere to the laws of armed conflict, stating that the second strike was ordered by a Navy Admiral, Frank Bradley, and not by Secretary Hegseth.
Congressional Reactions to Briefing
Admiral Bradley briefed senior members of Congress last week and showed them the video. Following the briefing, lawmakers expressed differing views. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, described the video of the second attack as "troubling." Conversely, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) stated that the strikes were "lawful and needful."