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Heather Brandon-Smith

@hbrandon-smith.bsky.social
84 followers 45 following 32 posts

Foreign Policy Director @fcnl.bsky.social | Adjunct at Georgetown Law. War powers, AUMF, law of war, use of force, international law

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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Amidst claims that there may be a deal to end Trump's Iran War, let's not lose sight of the human toll of this completely unnecessary and illegal conflict. news.sky.com/video/the-vi...
news.sky.com
'All I have left is a burnt bag': The students and teachers killed in US strike on Iranian school identified
Sky News has verified 152 of those killed when a US missile struck a primary school in Minab on the first day of the war. Using a range of information sources, the faces of all the 120 students - aged...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
NEW: The White House submitted a fresh War Powers report at the end of last week with respect to the US attacks on Iran on 9 June following the downing of a US Apache helicopter. This is a "salami slicing" report. Recall that the administration previously claimed hostilities with Iran... (1/n)
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Pleased to speak with SkyNews about the legal & policy issues raised by the apparent US attack on a school in Minab, Iran—an attack which killed 120 children. Trump wanted to do a 'Venezuela' in Iran, but his lawless military spectacle seems to have resulted in the mass slaughter of children.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
📣“We are witnessing an unacceptable normalization of this lawless campaign, and with it the Trump administration’s claim that it can execute anyone accused of a crime without any due process.” “Congress must put an end to these murders."⬇️
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Annie Shiel @annieshiel.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
The United States' murder campaign in the Caribbean and Pacific has now killed over 200 civilians with impunity. This normalization cannot continue. CIVIC's statement: civiliansinconflict.org/press-releas...
civiliansinconflict.org
US Murder Campaign on the High Seas Kills Over 200 Civilians
The United States has now reportedly killed at least 205 civilians in unlawful strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) condemns these e...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
NEW: The White House has sent Congress a new letter providing more formal notification of its view that the War Powers Resolution's 60-day clock for the Iran War is no longer ticking. 1/n
Dear Mr. President:
I write to inform you of changes in the posture of United States
Forces in the United States Central Command Area of
Responsibility (AoR) as part of my efforts to keep the Congress
fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution
(Public Law 93-148).
On March 2, 2026, I reported to the Congress that on
February 28, 2026, United States Forces had initiated Operation
Epic Fury and begun conducting precision strikes against the
regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I ordered that
operation consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans
and United States interests at home and abroad, and in
furtherance of United States national security and foreign
policy interests.
On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-week ceasefire. The ceasefire
has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire
between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The
hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.
Despite the success of United States operations against the
Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace,
the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed
Forces remains significant. Accordingly, the Department of War
continues to update its force posture in the AoR in select
countries, as necessary and appropriate, to address Iranian and
Iranian proxy forces' threats and to protect the United States
and its allies and partners. These changes are more fully
outlined in the classified attachment to this letter.
I have and will continue to direct United States Armed Forces
consistent with my responsibilities and pursuant to my
constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign
relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive. As the situation evolves, I will continue to update the
Congress on noteworthy changes in the United States Armed
Forces presence, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.
I appreciate the support of the Congress in these actions.
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Pleased to be quoted in this piece on the expiration of the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution. Hostilities against Iran have not ended. The president is now in violation of the War Powers Resolution (not to mention the Constitution and international law). www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Hegseth says clock paused on deadline to seek approval for Iran war
The US defence secretary says the timer for the president to report to Congress "pauses or stops" in a ceasefire.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Read my latest with @oonahathaway.bsky.social on why the #Iran war is now triply illegal - under the U.S. Constitution, the UN Charter, and as of today, the War Powers Resolution 👇
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Nick Turse @nickturse.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
The U.S. Has Killed Almost 190 People in Boat Strikes. Five more people have been murdered since Friday. We’re tracking them all, @theintercept.com theintercept.com/2025/11/17/t...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Annie Shiel @annieshiel.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
NEW: CIVIC + over 120 groups from around the world call on all States to stop support for US extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean and Pacific or risk legal responsibility. civiliansinconflict.org/press-releas...
civiliansinconflict.org
An Open Call to All States to Stop Facilitating US Extrajudicial Killings
125 organizations released an open call to all States to end support for US extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, and reminding States that continuing to provide support could...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
The Costs of War Project @costsofwar.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
BREAKING: Since August 2025, the U.S. has spent at least $4.7 billion on operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the operation to oust Maduro. [THREAD, 1/11]
Graphic: Estimated Cumulative Costs of Operations Southern Spear and Absolute Resolve, August 1, 2025-March 31, 2026
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Nick Turse @nickturse.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Trump Has Already Spent at Least $4.7 Billion Attacking Latin America It’s not cheap to attack Venezuela and capture its president or conduct dozens of strikes on civilian boats. theintercept.com/2026/04/23/c...
theintercept.com
Trump Has Already Spent at Least $4.7 Billion Attacking Latin America
It’s not cheap to attack Venezuela and capture its president or conduct dozens of strikes on civilian boats.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Huh, so international law is a thing. And this administration apparently has thoughts about illegal attacks on boats in particular.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
And just now, 52 US Senators shirked their constitutional responsibilities.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Senator Tim Kaine @kaine.senate.gov · 26/02/2026
Americans are weighed down by rising costs and disappearing jobs. Trump is failing to address these problems. Instead, he is toying with the idea of attacking Iran, needlessly jeopardizing servicemembers’ safety. I am forcing a vote on my War Powers Resolution to stop him.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Rebecca Ingber @becingber.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Important piece by @jacklgoldsmith.bsky.social. The focus here is DOD, but it has relevance to the devastation the Administration is wreaking on the executive branch legal bureaucracy and culture as a whole.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Amidst many crises, the #Trump admin may be on the verge of a war of choice against #Iran. It would be: -blatantly illegal (U.S. & int'l law) -hugely costly (human & financial) -has no clear end game Your elected representatives have power to stop it. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
washingtonpost.com
Trump appears ready to attack Iran as U.S. strike force takes shape
Although the United States and ally Israel have a decisive military advantage over Iranian forces, there are ways for Tehran to make any attack painful, officials said.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Another disturbing example of the cruelty of the Trump administration's boat strikes campaign. ⬇️ U.S. officials allowed survivors to languish in the water and ultimately die before sending a rescue plane 45 HOURS after the strike. Congress must end this illegal and morally bankrupt campaign.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Might be a tad bit late once the U.S. has attacked a NATO ally. The War Powers Resolution is notable because it provides the *minority* a mechanism for forcing votes on unauthorized military actions. Senator Tillis is in the majority which has many more tools available—and available now.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
🚨The Senate is expected to vote again tomorrow on passage of War Powers Resolution to block further unauthorized strikes on Venezuela. With Senators facing intense pressure from the Trump admin, it’s crucial they hear loud and clear from their constituents! ⬇️
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
The Trump administration's campaign of murderous strikes in Latin America carries grave implications -- both for people in the region, and here at home. FCNL's @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social breaks down what to know. ⬇️
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Bridget Moix @bridgetmoixfcnl.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Grieving every life lost in Iran and urging an end to all violence and repression. Congress should act to prevent more senseless wars by the White House and support a path for diplomacy and democracy.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
As the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention center enters its 25th year, its legacy of torture and human rights violation endures. We joined 100+ partners to once again demand its permanent closure, and an end to the Trump administration's shameful detention of migrants there. ⬇️ #CloseGuantanamo
fcnl.org
Coalition Letter Calling for Closure of Prison at Guantánamo Bay | Friends Committee On National Legislation
FCNL steadfastly calls for the closure of the American military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, which enters its 25th year in operation this week. On January 9, we joined with over 100 civil society o...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
My friend @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and I unpacked some of the issues relating to the War Powers Resolution, ongoing US hostilities in Latin America, and how Congress can respond to unauthorized military action by the executive branch.
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
"Although it is sometimes asserted (including recently by Vice President J.D. Vance) that every presidential administration has claimed the War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional, that claim is inaccurate." 👇
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
🚨Big News! The Senate has voted to advance a War Powers Resolution aimed at blocking President Trump from launching further military action against Venezuela. This is a major testament to the power of grassroots advocacy🙌. Let's keep up the pressure! #WarIsNotTheAnswer!
axios.com
Senate votes to curb military action in Venezuela in rare Trump rebuke
An overwhelming majority of congressional Republicans are backing the president's raid in Venezuela.
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Great to speak with @theintercept.com about the lack of public support for the U.S. invasion of Venezuela, and to be quoted alongside @bcfinucane.bsky.social.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Honored to have my war powers scholarship referenced by @charliesavage.bsky.social in @nytimes.com. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/u...
nytimes.com
Justice Dept. Memo Approved Military Incursion Into Venezuela as Lawful
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Pleased to speak with @theintercept.com and be quoted alongside @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social. "The U.S. did go to war with Venezuela. Just because you drag along a couple DEA agents doesn’t transform this...into a law enforcement operation.” theintercept.com/2026/01/05/c...
theintercept.com
How Congress Blew All Their Chances to Stop Trump’s War With Venezuela
Republicans who stood in the way of four chances to pass a War Powers resolution on Venezuela now say Marco Rubio lied to them.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
And if there's no war with Venezuela (and hence no application of the law of war), does that mean that the US military killing Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel was just murder?
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Factcheck: The unlawful US military attack on Venezuela means the existence of an international armed conflict with Venezuela and the application of the law of war, including the protections of the Geneva Conventions.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
My latest with the phenomenal @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and @mikeschmitt.bsky.social: International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
justsecurity.org
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
Experts survey the international law issues of Operation Absolute Resolve.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Thank you @raskin.house.gov and @reptedlieu.bsky.social for your letter to AG Bondi requesting an investigation into the Trump administration's boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. "To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful" s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Thank you @raskin.house.gov and @reptedlieu.bsky.social for your letter to AG Bondi requesting an investigation into the Trump administration's boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. "To be clear, the entire Caribbean operation appears to be unlawful" s3.amazonaws.com/quorum-pdf-l...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Rep. Adam Smith @adamsmith.house.gov · 22/12/2025
Yesterday, I spoke with MS Now about the purpose of the boat strikes.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
My latest for @sojo.net on the Trump administration's unlawful boat strikes in international waters: sojo.net/magazine/jan...
sojo.net
Trump’s Murderous Caribbean Campaign Is Worse Than ‘War’
The U.S. military’s deadly and illegal strikes on civilian boats have extraordinary consequences.
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
My latest for @sojo.net on the Trump administration's unlawful boat strikes in international waters: sojo.net/magazine/jan...
sojo.net
Trump’s Murderous Caribbean Campaign Is Worse Than ‘War’
The U.S. military’s deadly and illegal strikes on civilian boats have extraordinary consequences.
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Thank you @durbin.senate.gov for your letter to Sen. Grassley requesting a hearing on the boat strikes "These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law" www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
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FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Many experts warn that under international law, President Trump's blockade of Venezuela is an act of war. 🚨The House will vote TODAY on two War Powers Resolutions to block President Trump from launching unauthorized, disastrous new war against Venezuela. Action resource⬇️
commondreams.org
'Unquestionably an Act of War': Trump Declares Naval Blockade Against Venezuela | Common Dreams
US President Donald Trump declared a blockade on "all sanctioned oil tankers" approaching and leaving Venezuela, a major escalation in what's widely seen as a march to war with the South American nati...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Benjamin Farley @brfarley.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
So, a blockade—if instituted—represents a quintessential use of a State’s belligerent rights. So much so that, when used against a non-State actor, it traditionally caused such an actor to be treated as if it were a State for law-of-war purposes.
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Thank you to @jayapal.house.gov and Rep. Thomas Massie for introducing a bill to sunset the 2001 AUMF after 240 days. It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars. jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
jayapal.house.gov
Jayapal, Massie Lead Bipartisan Effort to Repeal 2001 AUMF, End Forever Wars - Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) are leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to fully repeal the 2001 Authorized Use of Military Force (AUMF). ...
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Thank you to @jayapal.house.gov and Rep. Thomas Massie for introducing a bill to sunset the 2001 AUMF after 240 days. It's long past time to bring an end to the forever wars. jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/j...
jayapal.house.gov
Jayapal, Massie Lead Bipartisan Effort to Repeal 2001 AUMF, End Forever Wars - Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) are leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to fully repeal the 2001 Authorized Use of Military Force (AUMF). ...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Brad Lander @bradlander.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Extraordinary courage from Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim, 43-year-old father of two, who bravely risked his life to save his neighbors celebrating Hanukkah. Praying for his full & speedy recovery. And so deeply inspired by his example.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
FCNL @fcnl.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
“I’ve never seen as much unanimity among international law experts in opposition to US policy as I’ve seen to this,” said expert Geoffrey Corn.
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
The White House has issued a statement of administration policy in support of the NDAA and specifically, the repeal of the 2002 and 1991 Iraq AUMFs: www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
The White House has issued a statement of administration policy in support of the NDAA and specifically, the repeal of the 2002 and 1991 Iraq AUMFs: www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Thank you @kaine.senate.gov and Sen. Todd Young for all your work to repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF. Congress should send this to the president's desk asap! www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
young.senate.gov
Young, Kaine Applaud Inclusion of Bipartisan Legislation to Formally End Iraq Wars in FY26 NDAA - Senator Young
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) applauded the inclusion of their bipartisan bill to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) again...
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Reposted by Heather Brandon-Smith
Rep. Jason Crow @crow.house.gov · 20/11/2025
The President of the United States just called for my arrest and execution. In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage:
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Heather Brandon-Smith @hbrandon-smith.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
"...the Trump admin’s assertion is utterly nonsensical because the US is simply not in an armed conflict with any cartel... [The admin] claims extraordinary authorities by merely asserting the existence of a legal condition irrespective of the facts. This is not how the law or reality works."
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House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats @houseforeign.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Ranking Members @meeks.house.gov, @adamsmith.house.gov, @jahimes.bsky.social, @benniethompson.bsky.social and @crow.house.gov and @repilhan.bsky.social, introduced a War Powers Resolution to block the Trump admin from continuing to conduct strikes in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific.
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