US Senate rejects proposal to limit Trumps use of military force in Cuba

US Senate Blocks Resolution on Cuba Military Action

The United States Senate voted 51-47 on Tuesday in favor of a procedural measure that blocked a Democratic-led resolution aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from ordering military action against Cuba without congressional approval.

The resolution, which was introduced by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, sought to curb the president’s powers in relation to Cuba. However, Republican Senators, including Rick Scott of Florida, argued that there were no active US hostilities against Cuba and that curbing the president’s powers was not necessary.

Senator Scott stated on social media that a war powers vote was not appropriate because Trump had not deployed troops against Havana. He also expressed support for President Trump’s efforts to bring about change in Cuba, stating that “the illegitimate Castro/Diaz-Canel regime must fall.”

President Trump has previously threatened the Cuban leadership and warned that “Cuba is next.” The warnings come amid ongoing US military operations in other regions, including Iran and Venezuela.

Senator Kaine argued that US efforts to block fuel shipments reaching Cuba already constituted a form of military action. He stated that if anyone were doing to the United States what the US was doing to Cuba, it would be considered an act of war.

The vote on Tuesday marked the first time the Senate has addressed this issue, and comes as Democrats have failed to pass similar resolutions in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The White House maintains that President Trump’s actions are within his rights and obligation as commander-in-chief to protect the US.

Source: Al Jazeera