US Senate blocks debate on ending military action against Venezuelan vessels

The U.S. Capitol building is pictured at sunset on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 27, 2019. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Senate on Wednesday blocked a preliminary move to terminate President Donald Trump's use of the military to destroy boats carrying alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers, unless he gets authorization from Congress.

The effort, spearheaded by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff of California and Tim Kaine of Virginia - and with the backing of Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky - was stoppedby a vote of 48-51.