US Democrats Aim to Limit Trump’s War Powers, Targeting Cuba Next

US Senate to Vote on Preventing Cuba Attack

Senate aides announced on Friday that a Democratic-led effort will be put to vote in the coming week, aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from launching an attack on Cuba.

Democratic Senators Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego introduced the Cuba War Powers Resolution last month. Senate’s Republican leaders must allow it to come up for a vote under Senate rules.

Schiff stated that “the president’s saber rattling toward Cuba makes clear where his sights are next.”

The exact timing of the vote has not been announced, but aides expect it before May 1.

Under Trump, US forces have launched strikes on boats off Venezuela and seized President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, all without authorization from Congress. He also waged war on Iran since February 28, with no prior Congressional approval.

Trump has said “Cuba is next,” while touting US military action in Venezuela and Iran. However, he did not specify what actions he plans to take against the island nation, but believes its government is on the verge of collapse.

Democrats have repeatedly tried to force Trump to stop military action and obtain lawmakers’ authorization before launching operations, but Republicans have almost unanimously voted to block these resolutions.

The White House says Trump’s actions are within his rights as commander-in-chief to protect the US by ordering limited military operations. Congressional Republicans accuse Democrats of filing the resolutions only to attack Trump.