Senator Coons Questions AG Bondi on Legality of US Strikes in Venezuela

Concerns Over Summary Killings

• 🎯 Senator Coons expressed deep concern about the government's assertion of authority to summarily kill individuals, specifically cartel members, through military strikes on boats in international waters.
• ⚖️ He questioned the legality of these strikes, authorized by President Trump, and whether Congress had authorized such use of force.
• ⚠️ Coons raised the issue of a potential limiting principle, asking if the government could summarily kill individuals declared as cartel members or unlawful combatants within the United States.

Attorney General's Response

• 🚫 Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to discuss any specific legal advice given by the Department of Justice regarding the strikes in Venezuela.
• 🗣️ Bondi stated that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is a "narcoterrorist" who is under indictment in the U.S., and a $50 million reward has been offered for his capture.

Constitutional Standards and Due Process

• 📜 Coons emphasized that due process is a cornerstone of the Constitution and highlighted his concern about the President asserting authority to summarily kill individuals suspected of criminal activity outside the law.
• 🏛️ He stressed Bondi's unique responsibility as the chief lawyer for the federal government to ensure the maintenance of constitutional standards.

Fentanyl Crisis and International Norms

• 📈 Bondi acknowledged the severity of the fentanyl crisis and its impact on American children, aligning with the committee's passion for protecting families from drug trafficking.
• 🚢 She also mentioned the need to protect U.S. sailors conducting freedom of navigation operations and adhere to international norms regarding the interdiction of ships on the high seas.
• ✅ Bondi stated that while pushing back against fentanyl and drug trafficking is crucial, it must be done in a manner consistent with the core values of the Constitution.