Senate Republicans Block Democratic Bid to Curb Trump’s Cuba Powers

Senate Republicans on Tuesday defeated a Democratic effort to require President Donald Trump to obtain congressional approval before continuing or expanding U.S. action against Cuba, underscoring the president’s broad support within his party on foreign policy.

The measure, introduced under the War Powers Act by Senator Tim Kaine, sought to force the administration to end the current U.S. energy blockade on Cuba unless Congress explicitly authorized it. It would also have prevented the president from launching military action against the island without legislative approval.

Republicans moved quickly to block the resolution, arguing that the United States is not engaged in direct military hostilities with Cuba. Their procedural motion succeeded in a 51-47 vote.

Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat to side with Republicans. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul broke with their party to support the measure.

The vote marks the latest in a series of unsuccessful Democratic attempts to limit Trump’s authority to use military force without congressional consent. Similar efforts related to Iran and Venezuela have also failed in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Democrats argue that the administration’s actions toward Cuba, including sanctions and the disruption of oil shipments from Venezuela, amount to a form of hostilities that should require congressional oversight. Kaine said the blockade has created severe humanitarian consequences on the island, including widespread power outages, water shortages, rising food prices and disruptions to medical care.

Among those reporting the measure, Democrats noted a significant difference in outcomes when Congress exercises oversight over military action. Kaine contended that U.S. assets, including the Coast Guard, are already being used in ways that have a direct and damaging impact on Cuba’s economy and civilian population.

The Trump administration has defended its approach as necessary to pressure Cuba’s government to release political prisoners, ease political repression and reform its struggling economy.

Trump recently signalled that Cuba could become a major focus of his foreign policy after the conflict with Iran, promising what he described as “a new dawn for Cuba.”

Republican Senator Rick Scott accused Democrats of overlooking the Cuban government’s human rights record and said the administration’s actions are aimed at restoring freedom and democracy in the region.

The failed resolution highlights the continuing debate in Washington over presidential war powers and Congress’s constitutional authority to authorise military action.