The White House argued lethal military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific do not rise to the level of “hostilities” that would warrant authorization from Congress under the War Powers Resolution (WPR).

The administration said the WPR, which Congress passed in 1973, would only apply when putting the U.S. in harm’s way and that the strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, which so far have killed at least 64 people, are not endangering military personnel since they are “largely” conducted by unmanned aerial vehicles that take off from Navy vessels.

“Here, the operation comprises precise strikes conducted largely by unmanned aerial vehicles launched from naval vessels in international waters at distances too far away for the crews of the targeted vessels to endanger American personnel,” a senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Hill on Monday.

Monday marked the 60-day deadline since the White House first notified Congress of its initial strike against an alleged drug-trafficking vessel. The WPR says the president needs to discontinue military operations after 60 days if an authorization from Congress is not obtained or the commander-in-chief can request a........

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