Senate Blocks Resolution Limiting Trump's Military Authority Over Cuba

The United States Senate voted 51-47 on Tuesday to defeat a Democratic-led war powers resolution that sought to limit Donald Trump's authority to maintain an energy blockade or launch military action against Cuba. The measure, known as SJ Res. 124 and introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, argued that the current blockade constitutes hostilities under the War Powers Act. The resolution failed after 50 Republicans and Senator John Fetterman voted against it, though Republican Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul supported the measure.

The vote follows a period of heightened pressure from the Trump administration, which has used an energy blockade and sanctions to disrupt oil flows to the island. These actions have contributed to severe power outages and food shortages, as well as the disruption of radiotherapy and medical services for thousands of patients. While the administration offered to lift oil restrictions in exchange for economic reforms and the release of political prisoners, Cuban officials have rejected these demands.

Democratic sponsors of the resolution characterized the administration's strategy as a regime change effort that violates the constitutional authority of Congress to declare war. In contrast, Republicans dismissed the resolution as unnecessary, maintaining that the United States is not engaged in active hostilities. Senator Rick Scott defended the president's efforts to bring democracy to Latin America, while Senator Peter Welch argued the current policy aims to crush the Cuban population.