Dem Senators Move to Block Trump Military Action Against Cuba With War Powers Vote
Senate Democrats are attempting to block President Donald Trump from launching military action against Cuba without congressional approval.
The move comes as lawmakers warn the administration could expand U.S. military conflicts while already engaged in escalating tensions abroad.
According to CBS News and the Associated Press, Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine, Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff filed a War Powers Resolution aimed at forcing Congress to vote before any U.S. attack or military operation targeting Cuba. The legislation would require the president to withdraw American forces from hostilities involving the island unless Congress authorizes the mission.
The proposal follows comments from Trump suggesting the United States could pursue a possible “takeover” of Cuba, even as his administration is involved in ongoing foreign policy confrontations elsewhere. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly been involved in talks with Cuban officials while the country faces a severe energy crisis.
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Kaine said the president is acting “with the belief that the U.S. military is a palace guard.”
Democrats argue the Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war and say the resolution is necessary to prevent unilateral military action. The tactic has been used repeatedly in recent months as lawmakers attempt to force debate over conflicts involving Iran and other regions.
However, the measure faces an uncertain path in the Republican-controlled Senate, where previous war powers efforts targeting Trump’s military decisions have largely failed.
If brought to the floor, the resolution could trigger another high-stakes vote on the limits of presidential war powers in the coming weeks.
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