Washington — The Senate Democratic majority has filed legislation aiming to prevent the U.S. from launching attacks on Cuba without congressional approval, as they seek to force a vote on President Trump’s stated aim of a “takeover” for the Caribbean nation.
Democrats have long used war powers resolutions to compel debate on Mr. Trump’s foreign policy decisions. Republicans have largely backed the president so far, though Democrats are determined to make their voices heard. The resolution filed Thursday by Sens. Tim Kaine, Ruben Gallego, and Adam Schiff would mandate that any military action against Cuba must end once hostilities begin. They argue that only Congress has the authority to declare war under the Constitution.
Kaine emphasized his view in a statement: “The president operates with the belief that the U.S. military is a palace guard, ordering military action without congressional authorization or explanation for these actions to the American people.”
Earlier this week, Mr. Trump indicated he was negotiating with Cuba’s leadership over an energy crisis exacerbated by the U.S. embargo on the island. “It may be a friendly takeover,” Trump said at a news conference in Florida, adding that the focus would shift to Iran after those talks.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed Friday that Cuban officials had held discussions with the U.S., noting that such contacts are not unprecedented during former President Obama’s administration. He stated: “The purpose of these conversations was to identify bilateral problems and find solutions based on their severity.”
For decades, the U.S. has maintained a tense relationship with Cuba, but Mr. Trump’s recent use of military action against foreign adversaries—including Iran—has heightened speculation that Cuba might be next.
Republican support for Trump’s aggressive foreign policy stance has been robust, but Democrats have seized upon the war powers resolutions to force debate on how Mr. Trump can wield military force internationally. Republicans have so far opposed holding public hearings on the conflict.
Senator Gallego expressed his frustration in a statement: “He ran on America First, but now it’s clear he’s become a puppet of the war hawks in his party.”
The potential for a Democratic vote on war powers resolutions concerning Iran adds another layer to this tense standoff. Democrats are prepared to force these votes unless Republicans agree to public hearings on the conflict.
Only Congress can declare war under the Constitution, and now Senate Democrats are calling for the protection of their constitutional prerogatives as they seek transparency and accountability from the Trump administration’s foreign policy decisions.