Schumer Criticizes Briefing on Venezuelan Drug Boat Strike

(MENAFN) US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed sharp criticism of a confidential briefing delivered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior administration officials, stating that lawmakers still do not have clear information regarding a second strike on a purported drug smuggling vessel off the Venezuelan coast on Sept. 2.

“It was a very unsatisfying briefing,” Schumer told reporters on Tuesday.

His comments followed a session in which Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio updated the “Gang of Eight” – leaders from intelligence committees and both chambers of Congress, representing both political parties – about the strike during a closed-door meeting.

Congress is considering freezing a portion of Hegseth’s travel budget until the Pentagon releases video footage of the second strike.

This footage has become central to allegations that two survivors clinging to the wreckage of their boat may have been killed.

Last week, the administration presented the videos only to select members of Congress in a private session.
Schumer noted that he asked Hegseth whether he would permit all members of Congress to view the unedited videos.

"His answer (was), ‘We have to study it.’ Well, in my view, they have studied it long enough. Congress ought to be able to see it. I told him that every member of Congress -- so many members of Congress, Democrat and Republican --- had a right to see it, wanted to see it, and should see it," he explained.

Beyond concerns about the videos, Schumer also criticized the administration for providing little insight into its overall strategy toward Venezuela.

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