Senate rejects curb on Trump military action in Cuba

Kathleen Hunter

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) speaks to reporters during a vote in the U.S. Capitol on March 2. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Senate rejected an effort to advance legislation that would bar U.S. military action against Cuba without Congress' green light.

Why it matters: It's lawmakers' latest failed attempt to rein in Trump's use of military force overseas, underscoring the support he maintains from Republicans who control Capitol Hill.

The vote was 51-47 on Tuesday in favor of blocking the resolution from moving forward.
Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky voted in favor of advancing the measure. Pennsylvania's John Fetterman was the only Democrat in opposition.

The big picture: Trump has escalated pressure on Cuba this year with a de facto maritime blockade while openly floating the possibility of military action.

The U.S. has used Coast Guard and naval assets to intercept or deter fuel shipments bound for Cuba, sharply restricting supplies.
Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. could "take" Cuba or pursue regime change there.

Zoom in: The Senate has repeatedly voted down similar efforts to curb military action in Iran.

House Democrats plan to force an Iran war powers vote this week.
Previous attempts to pass that measure in the chamber have also failed.

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Senate rejects curb on Trump military action in Cuba

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