WASHINGTON: The Republican-led U.S. Senate has blocked a Democratic effort to prevent President Donald Trump from launching military action against Cuba without congressional approval, highlighting deep partisan divisions over war powers.
The Senate voted 51–47 along largely party lines to stop a resolution introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine. The measure aimed to require congressional authorization before any U.S. military involvement in Cuba. Republicans argued the resolution was unnecessary, with Senator Rick Scott stating that no U.S. troops have been deployed and there are no active hostilities with Cuba. Democrats, however, contended that U.S. actions—particularly efforts to block fuel shipments to Cuba—already amount to military engagement.
Kaine argued that such measures would be viewed as “an act of war” if directed at the United States. The vote comes amid heightened concerns following recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela and Iran that were carried out without congressional approval. President Trump has also suggested that “Cuba is next,” though he has not outlined specific plans.
Despite the U.S. Constitution granting Congress the authority to declare war, presidents retain the ability to conduct limited or short-term military operations without prior approval, a point frequently cited by Republicans defending Trump’s authority. The failed resolution marks the latest in a series of unsuccessful Democratic attempts to curb presidential war powers, underscoring ongoing tensions between Congress and the White House over control of U.S. military actions abroad.
