Democratic Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez has branded the Trump administration's contemplation of military action in Cuba as "insane," urging Congress to pass her resolution aimed at curbing what she describes as the White House's "warmongering."
This disclosure came on Wednesday, shortly after USA Today cited two insiders revealing that the Pentagon is quietly ramping up plans for a potential military operation on the island.
"It's crazy that this administration is even considering launching another conflict, this time in Cuba," Velázquez stated on her social media account on X.
"Congress must pass my War Powers Resolution regarding Cuba. Americans do not want this, and Congress needs to halt this warmongering before it's too late," the congresswoman added.
Legislative Efforts to Prevent Unconstitutional War
Velázquez introduced H.J. Res. 153, known as the War Powers Resolution on Cuba, on March 24, arguing that only Congress has the constitutional authority under Article I to declare war, and the legislative body "has not declared war against Cuba nor authorized any specific use of military force against Cuba."
Her initiative is part of a broader Democratic legislative effort: Senators Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff, and Ruben Gallego introduced S.J. Res. 124 on March 12 with similar goals, while Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Pramila Jayapal proposed the "Prevent Unconstitutional War in Cuba" bill on March 26 to block federal funding for military operations without congressional approval.
Escalating Tensions with Cuba
The Zeteo bulletin was the first to report that Pentagon officials received a "new directive" from the White House to escalate planning for potential military actions against Cuba, under the headline "Is Cuba Next?" This revelation comes amid a sustained escalation of tensions.
On Monday, Trump commented at the White House, "We might stop in Cuba after we're done with this," referring to the conflict with Iran.
Back in March, Trump declared he would be "honored to take Cuba," although he also ruled out direct military actions, maintaining a deliberately ambiguous stance.
Since January, Trump has signed Executive Order 14380, declaring Cuba an "extraordinary threat" and imposing tariffs on nations supplying it with oil, worsening the island's severe energy crisis.
Cuban Response to Potential Aggression
Meanwhile, Cuban leader Díaz-Canel warned in an April 7 Newsweek interview that Cuba would respond with a "war of all the people" to any aggression, emphasizing that "the loss of human lives and material destruction would be incalculable."
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment in detail on these plans, directing inquiries to the U.S. Southern Command, whose chief, General Francis Donovan, testified before Congress in March that there were no active plans or rehearsals for seizing Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is the War Powers Resolution on Cuba?
The War Powers Resolution on Cuba, introduced by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, seeks to ensure that only Congress has the authority to declare war, preventing unauthorized military action against Cuba.
Why is the Trump administration considering military action in Cuba?
The Trump administration has labeled Cuba an "extraordinary threat" and is reportedly considering military action as part of a broader strategy to apply pressure on the island nation, although this has been met with significant opposition.
How has Cuba responded to the potential threat of U.S. military action?
Cuba, under the leadership of Díaz-Canel, has vowed to resist any aggression with a "war of all the people," highlighting the potential for significant loss of life and destruction.