Democratic lawmakers seek to block funds for military action in Cuba 

A pair of Democratic lawmakers on Thursday unveiled legislation to block the government from using funds for military action against Cuba without the consent of Congress, as President Trump floats a takeover of the island. 

The bill was introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Called the “Prevent an Unconstitutional War in Cuba Act,” the text provides an exception for the president to use force if there is an imminent threat. 

The legislation is an additional effort by lawmakers to oppose Trump’s pressure campaign against the island. A group of Senate Democrats earlier this month introduced a War Powers Resolution to block any use of the military against Cuba without the consent of Congress. Likewise, a group of House Democrats on Tuesday introduced their own War Powers Resolution.

The War Powers resolutions are privileged and move on an expedited timeline for a vote on the floor. The Jayapal and Meeks bill is unlikely to advance through the committee process while Republicans hold the majority in the House and Senate, but the bill text is viewed as another tool putting Democrats on record opposing military action. 

“Trump has started illegal regime change conflicts in Venezuela and Iran and is now threatening Cuba,” Jayapal said in a statement to The Hill.

“Congress alone has the power to declare war, something Trump clearly does not respect. He has no plan to improve conditions for the Cuban people or promote democracy, and we must pass this legislation to block him from acting on a whim.”

Trump has mused about having the “honor” to “take” Cuba or free it. Senior Pentagon official Joseph Humire told a conference in Miami last week that the White House is focusing on diplomacy with Cuba but that officials at the Department of Defense “stand by ready to support.” 

Trump has also said that he wants to finish the war against Iran before turning to Cuba. 

Still, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said Sunday that the country’s military is preparing for the “possibility” of aggression from the Trump administration.

“Cuba is not for Donald Trump to take, and today we stand firm against the illegal use of the U.S. military to pursue turning Cuba into another playground for Trump’s chaotic adventurism,” Meeks said in a statement. 

“The United States cannot bomb Cuba out of economic collapse or political repression—lasting change must come through empowering the Cuban people, not doubling down on a failed approach that disproportionately harms them.”

Trump has tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead talks with Havana. Rubio said earlier this month that Cuba “has to change dramatically.” 

“Cuba has an economy that doesn’t work and a political and governmental system that can’t fix it… they’ve got some big decisions to make over there,” he said.

Hardline Republican lawmakers focused on Cuba are cheering on Cubans to overthrow the regime as its leaders face a dire humanitarian crisis, made worse by Trump’s fuel blockade against the island, imposed at the end of January.

And the Department of Justice is reportedly drafting indictments against Cuban officials, raising the prospect of a Venezuela-like operation to seize individuals indicted for crimes in American courts. 

Trump carried out the operation to capture Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro in January on the premise of an indictment on drug charges. The case surrounding Maduro, and that of his wife Cilia Flores, is proceeding in New York. 

Shortly after the Venezuela military operation, Trump imposed the fuel quarantine against Cuba and has pressured regional countries to expel Cuban doctors that also serve as a source of revenue for the regime. 

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