VANCE PRAISES DEADLY STRIKE OFF VENEZUELA — LAWMAKERS DEMAND ANSWERS AS U.S. TREATMENT OF CARTELS RAISES BORDER, OVERSIGHT CONCERNS

Sen. Rand Paul blasted Vice President JD Vance for praising a U.S. strike on a drug vessel, calling Vance's comment "despicable and thoughtless" for glorifying killing without a trial. The article situates the strike within the Trump administration's broader campaign that has labeled narcotraffickers as terrorists and signaled more such operations may follow. Top Democrats say they were not briefed in advance and have raised legal and procedural concerns, while administration allies defended the action. The operation has increased tensions with Venezuela and prompted lawmakers to demand more information and legal justification.