On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate turned down a war powers resolution put forward by Democratic senators aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from launching military operations against Cuba without Congressional approval. The procedural vote concluded with a tally of 51 against and 47 in favor.
The motion, spearheaded by Senators Tim Kaine (Virginia), Ruben Gallego (Arizona), and Adam Schiff (California), cited the War Powers Act of 1973 alongside Article I of the Constitution, which grants Congress the exclusive authority to declare war.
Despite the setback for Democrats, the vote revealed a significant rift within the Republican ranks: Senators Susan Collins (Maine) and Rand Paul (Kentucky) broke ranks to support the Democrats. This marks a noteworthy breakthrough for the opposition, which has been striving for weeks to counter the president's foreign policy initiatives.
Conversely, Democratic Senator John Fetterman (Pennsylvania) sided with Republicans again, as he has in previous votes concerning Iran.
Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Republicans to back the measure, suggesting it would help avert a looming catastrophe in Cuba. "The Republicans should take a stand to prevent a worsening crisis in Cuba, much like they should have with Trump's war in Iran," Schumer stated.
Republican Senator Rick Scott (Florida) defended President Trump, dismissing the resolution as a "waste of time" and an "insult" to the Cuban people. He asserted, "This president has never indicated a desire to put boots on the ground."
During the Senate debate, Senator Kaine highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by an energy blockade enforced by Washington. He revealed that nearly 100,000 surgeries, including over 11,000 for children, were canceled between January and March due to power shortages in Cuban hospitals.
Kaine also pointed out that over a third of the Cuban population lacks access to clean water, with 87% of the nation's water pumps relying on electricity. Power outages lasting from 12 to 20 hours, and occasionally extending to 48 to 72 hours, further compound the crisis.
Additionally, Kaine noted a more than 13% rise in food prices, and a projected 40% decline in short-cycle crop yields. In a country where the average monthly salary is about $15, gasoline prices have soared to nearly $40 per gallon.
This defeat adds to a series of unsuccessful Democratic legislative efforts regarding war powers: five failed resolutions concerning Iran and several thwarted attempts to restrain Trump in Venezuela, where a surprise military operation led to Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026, halting Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba.
President Trump has publicly stated that Cuba is "next" on his agenda and has hinted at a possible "stop in Cuba" following the resolution of the conflict with Iran. Although the Pentagon has expedited plans for a potential military intervention in Cuba, the unresolved situation with Iran has temporarily shifted focus away from the island.
In March, Trump made an exception allowing a Russian tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil to dock in Cuba for "humanitarian reasons," with Russia announcing plans to send a second vessel. Meanwhile, Cuban leader Díaz-Canel has warned of a guerrilla response to any U.S. military attack, while the UN has cautioned about the risk of a total collapse on the island.
Democrats have vowed to continue utilizing war powers resolutions to compel Republicans to take public positions, one of the few tools available to the Senate minority. The next legislative confrontation will once again focus on Iran, with votes scheduled in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Key Questions about U.S.-Cuba Relations and Military Actions
What was the outcome of the Senate vote on the war powers resolution regarding Cuba?
The Senate rejected the resolution with a vote of 51 against and 47 in favor, blocking the measure intended to restrict President Trump's ability to take military action against Cuba without Congressional approval.
Which senators broke party lines during the vote?
Republican Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul sided with Democrats, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted with Republicans.
What humanitarian issues in Cuba were highlighted by Senator Tim Kaine?
Senator Kaine highlighted issues such as the cancellation of surgeries due to power shortages, lack of access to clean water, prolonged power outages, rising food prices, and declining crop yields.