Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked a Democratic push to force Donald Trump to end the U.S. energy blockade on Cuba unless he secures approval from Congress.
The failed war powers resolution underscored continued Republican backing for Trump as he takes unilateral action in multiple global flashpoints, including Venezuela and Iran. Democrats have repeatedly tried to curb the president’s authority to deploy military force, but none of those efforts have succeeded. Tuesday’s vote marked the first such attempt focused on Cuba and sought to require congressional approval before any potential military strike.
Republicans dismissed the measure as out of order, arguing that the United States is not currently engaged in active hostilities with Cuba. Their motion to block it passed 51–47. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to side with Republicans, while Susan Collins and Rand Paul were the only Republicans to vote with Democrats.
The Caribbean island has been grappling with widespread power and water shortages amid U.S. sanctions and disrupted oil supplies from Venezuela. The Trump administration says its pressure campaign is aimed at forcing Cuba’s leadership to ease political repression, release prisoners and reform its struggling economy.
Sen. Tim Kaine, who introduced the resolution, argued that the blockade has triggered a “humanitarian crisis,” disrupting medical services, limiting access to clean water and driving up food prices. He contended that U.S. enforcement actions — including the use of Coast Guard assets — effectively amount to hostilities.
Trump has indicated that after the conflict with Iran, he could shift focus to Cuba, promising “a new dawn” for the island. Democrats say congressional oversight is needed to prevent a potential military escalation.
“The United States and Cuba need to find a way to peacefully coexist,” said Sen. Peter Welch.
The dispute reflects a broader clash over presidential war powers. Democrats have increasingly invoked the War Powers Act of 1973 to challenge Trump’s military actions, while Republicans argue such measures are unnecessary and politically motivated. Meanwhile, Sen. Rick Scott defended the administration, accusing Democrats of overlooking human rights abuses by Cuba’s government and urging support for Trump’s policies in the region.
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