US lawmakers are trying to pressure the Trump administration to release video of a controversial 'double-tap' military strike by limiting Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget.
The incident on 2 September, in which the US carried out a second deadly strike on a boat in the Caribbean, has raised fresh questions about the legality of Trump's campaign targeting alleged drug-carrying vessels.
A provision buried in a lengthy defence spending policy would restrict travel funds for Hegseth's office until the Pentagon hands over unedited footage. The bill is expected to pass with support from both parties.
US President Donald Trump says release of the video is something for Hegseth to decide.
Trump denied that he had previously said he would have 'no problem' with the footage being made public - despite that comment being made on camera as recently as Wednesday.
The threat from Congress to withhold money from Hegseth's travel budget has emerged amid a clamour for information from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.
It is buried within a 3,000-page draft bill that is focused on approving next year's defence spending. The annual bill authorises nearly $901bn in funding (£687m).
The bill's final wording states that Hegseth's office may spend no more than three-quarters of the funds made available for travel for the year 2026 until it meets certain requirements, including the obligation to give the House and Senate armed service committees all unedited video of strikes conducted against designated terrorist organizations.
The wording nods to Trump's characterization of his strikes on boats. He claims they are aimed at targeted designated terrorist organisations.
In comments to reporters on Monday, Trump said each of the boats struck had saved 25,000 American lives, asserting that drug trafficking to the US by sea has almost ceased.
His administration has justified its actions by stating it is in a non-international armed conflict with the alleged traffickers. However, experts have raised legal questions concerning the strikes.
Last Wednesday, the president responded to a question about the video from an ABC News reporter, expressing openness to its release. However, five days later, he denied having made that commitment.
The pressure on Hegseth intensifies as Congress seeks crucial information regarding the legality and the administration's narrative behind these military actions.
