Congress has attached a condition to its key defense bill that would cut Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget unless he gives lawmakers unedited video of U.S. military attacks in the Caribbean that contains important details.
According to the National Defense Authorization Act, Hegseth would lose 25 percent of his travel funds unless the Pentagon gives full video of attacks under U.S. Southern Command to the House and Senate Armed Services committees. This comes after close examination of a September 2 attack on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean.
The video of a second attack, which killed people who survived the first strike, is classified and has only been seen by top lawmakers. However, both Republicans and Democrats have called for the video to be released, saying the public should be able to judge the strikes for themselves.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the investigation is still underway, and he has not taken a stance on releasing the footage. President Donald Trump said last week that the video will be released, while Hegseth said the Pentagon is still deciding if releasing it could put military operations at risk.
The bill also asks for a written report on what has been learned from the war in Ukraine. It faces a tough road in Washington, as Republicans are trying to pass it with only a small majority.
