Congress probes timeline of Caribbean airstrike as second strike sparks bipartisan backlash

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate are expected to press military and administration officials today as they piece together a clearer timeline of the September 2 U.S.

(NBC)- Lawmakers in both the House and Senate are expected to press military and administration officials today as they piece together a clearer timeline of the September 2 U.S. airstrike on a boat in the Caribbean near Venezuela. The White House says the vessel carried suspected drug smugglers, though it has not publicly provided evidence.

New scrutiny follows reports of a second strike that allegedly killed survivors from the initial attack — a move that has triggered bipartisan outrage.

During questioning this week, President Trump defended the overall mission but distanced himself from the alleged follow-up strike.

Democratic lawmakers say the second strike may violate international law.

Hegseth is also facing separate scrutiny as an internal investigation found he may have put U.S. troops at risk by sharing sensitive war-planning information in a Signal group chat — part of what’s become known as “Signalgate.”

Republicans, however, argue the criticism has become politically motivated. Hearings today are expected to shed new light on who authorized what — and when.