(DDM) – Senate Majority Leader John Thune has declined to state whether the Pentagon should publicly release the full video of a deadly September follow-up strike on an alleged narcoterrorist boat in the Caribbean.
Diaspora Digital Media DDM gathered that the footage, already reviewed in private by senior lawmakers on key committees, has become the center of a growing transparency battle in Washington.
Thune, speaking to CNN, insisted that the Senate Armed Services Committee is “doing oversight” on the matter.
He suggested that the Pentagon and the committee would jointly determine how much information should be made public.
Thune also appeared unaware of a new provision in the annual defense policy bill that would force the Pentagon to release the video to the Armed Services Committees.
When pressed on why the provision was inserted into the legislation, Thune replied, “I’ll find out.”
The video reportedly captures a second strike carried out by U.S. forces on survivors of an initial attack targeting a suspected narcoterrorist vessel.
Lawmakers who viewed the recording last week have not publicly disclosed details, heightening demands for transparency from both Congress and the public.
The incident took place in September, sparking concerns about rules of engagement, intelligence accuracy, and the government’s responsibility to release records of lethal military operations.
Observers say the reluctance from top congressional leaders to endorse public release raises questions about what the video contains and why the Pentagon remains cautious.
DDM notes that controversies involving military transparency have historically triggered bipartisan scrutiny, especially when civilian or survivor casualties are suspected.
Thune’s comments come as political tensions rise in Congress over national security oversight.
On a separate issue, the GOP leader also refused to commit to an alternative Republican health care proposal this week.
Democrats are preparing for a vote to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years, a measure expected to receive strong support from their caucus.
Thune signaled that Republicans remain divided over how to handle the expiring subsidies.
He confirmed that GOP lawmakers “have people in different camps” on the future of the health care tax credits.
He also said Republicans will meet tomorrow to decide their legislative strategy.
Thune accused Democrats of engaging in what he described as a “political messaging exercise” rather than approaching negotiations in good faith.
“I don’t think they’re serious about wanting to do a deal yet,” he told CNN.
Policy analysts say the health care showdown and the boat strike controversy together highlight widening fractures within Congress, as both parties struggle to manage defense accountability and urgent domestic policy priorities.
Advocates for transparency argue that releasing the boat strike footage is essential for public trust in U.S. military operations.
Meanwhile, lawmakers expect heated debates on both issues in the coming days, with the Pentagon, congressional committees, and party leaders facing increasing pressure to explain their positions.