The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted to block an initial effort to end President Donald Trump ’s military campaign targeting Venezuelan vessels linked to drug trafficking, unless he first obtains authorization from Congress.

The effort, spearheaded by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff of California and Tim Kaine of Virginia – and with the backing of Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky – was stopped by a vote of 48-51.

One other Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined in the effort, which was a procedural step to bring up the legislation for a vote on passage by the full Senate.

“Using the U.S. military to conduct unchecked strikes in the Caribbean risks destabilizing the region, provoking confrontation with neighboring governments and drawing our forces into yet anothe

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