Senate Defeats Resolution to Block Trump’s Threat of War on Cuba

On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted 51-47 on a procedural motion that blocked further debate on Sen. Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) joint resolution (SJ Res. 124). The resolution would have directed the removal of U.S. armed forces from any hostilities against Cuba that lack congressional authorization. Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Rand Paul voted to advance the measure, while Democrat John Fetterman joined them in sinking it, effectively sidelining the effort to curb the president’s war-making authority.

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U.S. pressure on Cuba dates back to a 65-year economic embargo that has been tightened under the Trump administration, restricting fuel imports and creating chronic blackouts that endanger sick people and children. The United States has a long record of attempts to remove Cuba’s socialist government, from the 1898 war against Spain—when the U.S. also acquired Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam, and annexed Hawaii—to covert actions, terrorist attacks, and assassination attempts. In recent months Trump added Cuba to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and repeatedly threatened “taking Cuba” after concluding the war in Iran.

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• Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) – sponsor of SJ Res. 124.

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• Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) – co-sponsor, vocal opponent of another war.

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• Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) – co-sponsor, emphasized constitutional limits.

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• Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) – Senate Minority Leader, warned against war.

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• Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) – criticized Trump’s threats and the blockade.

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• Republican Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Rand Paul (KY) – voted to advance the resolution.

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• President Donald Trump – publicly declared he may “stop by Cuba” and claimed he will have “the honor of taking Cuba.”

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• David Adler, co-general coordinator of Progressive International – warned of imminent military action.

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Alsobrooks warned that a conflict would cost “hardworking Americans billions of dollars,” deepen Cuba’s humanitarian crisis, and place U.S. service members in danger. The United Nations General Assembly has condemned the U.S. blockade 33 times since 1992. The tightened embargo has already “devastated Havana’s economy and healthcare system,” according to Sen. Markey.

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Alsobrooks cited the Constitution: “Only Congress has the authority to declare war.” Trump’s statements about “stopping by Cuba” and “taking Cuba” challenge that framework. Markey argued the president should “learn the law of holes” and cease digging, noting that the administration’s actions in Iran have eroded its credibility on war and peace.

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Sen. Schumer said the nation “does not need another war—let alone one that’s 90 miles south of the U.S.” Gallego stressed that Americans want housing and affordable healthcare, not “bombing housing in Havana.” Kaine labeled the GOP move a “purely a regime-change effort.” Markey called the blockade “devastating” and urged its removal before any further escalation.

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Democratic lawmakers framed the issue as a diversion of resources from domestic needs. Progressive International’s Adler warned that the Senate vote may be “the last chance for U.S. Congress to stop it,” highlighting the urgency of legislative restraint.

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• “The American people are not asking for another war,” — Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)

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• “ "The Constitution is clear: Only Congress has the authority to declare war," Alsobrooks added.” — Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)

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• “Trump should learn the law of holes: If you find yourself in one, stop digging.” — Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)

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• “Trump is preparing military action against Cuba,” — David Adler, Progressive International

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• “) said on Bluesky after the vote, "A conflict with Cuba would cost hardworking Americans billions of dollars, deepen the humanitarian crisis in Cuba, and put American service members in harm’s way.” — Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)

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• “The last thing working Americans need right now is another war—let alone one that’s 90 miles south of the US.” — Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

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With the resolution defeated, the Senate has not imposed any legal barrier to a presidential decision to use force against Cuba. Critics argue that the vote represents a narrow window for Congress to act before any military move materializes. Future legislative attempts may focus on reaffirming the War Powers Resolution or imposing sanctions on the executive branch, while the administration’s public statements suggest that a decision on Cuban action could follow the conclusion of operations in Iran.

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