Dem plot to limit Trump war powers on Cuba fails as GOP falls in line with military action abroad

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Republicans stifled Senate Democrats’ attempt to prevent PresidentDonald Trumpfrom bringing military action close to home before any action has actually been taken by the administration.

Democrats failed to advance a forward-looking war powers resolution that would handcuff Trump’s ability to use military forceagainst Cuba,which lies roughly 90 miles from the coast of Florida.

The move was spurred by his recent comments that once the U.S.was finishedin Iran,it would make moves on the island nation.

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A woman holding a sign and Cuban flags at a protest in Miami

Supporters of President Donald Trump hold signs and Cuban flags during a protest against Cuba’s government in Miami on Feb.28, 2026.(Marco Bello/Reuters)

“All my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba — when will the United States do it?I do believe I’ll be the honor, having the honor of taking Cuba,” Trump said in March.

The resolution, introduced by Sen.Tim Kaine, D-Va., would require the removal of forces from within or around Cuba and considers the “use of the United States Coast Guard and other components of the Armed Forces to conduct a blockade or quarantine of Cuba” a hostile act that would require Congress’ approval.

Sen.Rick Scott, R-Fla., moved to block the bill from getting a full vote on the floor.His gamble was successful, though Sens.Rand Paul, R-Ky., Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, joined nearly every Senate Democrat to force the vote.Only Sen.John Fetterman, D-Pa., broke ranks to support tanking the resolution.

Still, Trump has not taken action on Cuba while the U.S.is engaged in the war in Iran.

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President Donald Trump makes a fist upon arrival at Miami International Airport in Miami, on April 11, 2026.(Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Kaine’s war powers resolution marked a momentary departure from Democrats’ quest to rein in Trump’s authority in theMiddle East.Republicans have so far batted down five attempts to cease hostilities in the region.

Rand Paul,R-Ky., Kaine said, “You gotta ask Republicans about their position.”

“There are many saying that the 60-day time frame is relevant to them,” Kaine said.“We’ll see that because we’ll have an Iran war vote close to the 60-day [deadline] by the end of this week.”

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Sen. Tim Kaine speaking to reporters while walking into the Senate Chamber in Washington, D.C.

Sen.Tim Kaine, D-Va., speaks to reporters as he walks into the Senate chamber in Washington, D.C., on Dec.11, 2025.(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Support for that conflict, while still holding out among most Senate Republicans, is growing strained by the day as the 60-day deadline for Congress to weigh in under the War Powers Resolution Act is set to hit this week.

At least three Senate Republicans — Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and John Curtis of Utah — said they wouldn’t extend Trump’s war in the region after 60 days.And Sen.Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is working on an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) for lawmakers to weigh in on the conflict.

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Senate Minority LeaderChuck Schumer,D-N.Y., argued that Republicans should “do Trump a favor” by joining Democrats to block future engagements with Cuba without congressional approval.

“The last thing working Americans need right now is another war, let alone one that’s 90 miles south of the United States,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.“Republicans must get out in front of a looming catastrophe in Cuba before it gets even worse, as they should have done with Trump’s war in Iran.”

S.Senate.