Cuba war powers resolution fails as Senate Republicans back Trump in 51–47 vote

US Senate Republicans voted down a Democratic effort to limit President Donald Trump’s actions against Cuba. The measure sought to make Trump end a US energy blockade on Cuba. It would have allowed the blockade only with Congress’s approval. The vote highlighted party support for Trump’s unilateral use of US power abroad.

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Republicans moved to dismiss the war powers resolution and succeeded 51-47. Republicans said the measure was out of order. Republicans argued the US was not in outright hostilities with Cuba. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat backing dismissal. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky supported the resolution.

Trump Cuba energy blockade vote under War Powers Act

Democrats used the War Powers Act of 1973 to force the vote. The law was meant to strengthen Congress’s role in war decisions. Democrats have tried similar votes on Venezuela, Iran and Cuba. None have passed. Tuesday’s vote was the first focused on Cuba, and on possible action against the island.

The resolution would have required Congress to approve any attacks on Cuba. Democrats said the step was needed to stop a possible military campaign. "The United States and Cuba need to find a way to peacefully coexist,\" said Sen Peter Welch, a Vermont Democrat. Republicans said no such restriction was needed without open hostilities.

Trump Cuba energy blockade and claims of humanitarian impact

Cuba has faced water and power outages while the US applies sanctions. The US has also disrupted oil shipments from Venezuela. The Trump administration has pressured Cuba’s leaders to end repression. It has called for political prisoners to be released. It has also urged Cuba to liberalise its struggling economy.

Sen Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, introduced the resolution and cited humanitarian harm. Kaine said the blockade disrupted medical care, reduced clean water access, and raised food prices. \"My argument is that under the terms of the resolution we are already engaged in hostilities with Cuba because we are using American force, primarily the Coast Guard, but other assets as well, to engage in a very devastating economic blockade of the nation,\" Kaine said.

Trump Cuba energy blockade debate as focus shifts after Iran

Trump has said that after the war with Iran, Trump will focus on Cuba. Trump also spoke about Cuba during a Turning Points USA event last week. Trump pledged \"a new dawn for Cuba\" during that speech. Democrats said the remarks added urgency to requiring Congress’s approval for any action.

Republican Sen Rick Scott of Florida criticised Democrats during the debate. Scott accused Democrats of overlooking human rights abuses by Cuba’s leaders. \"President Trump is doing everything he can to bring back freedom and democracy all across Latin America, and we should do everything we can to support him,\" Scott said. The resolution did not advance after the dismissal vote.

With inputs from PTI