The Senate has rejected an initiative that would prevent the Trump administration from taking military action against Cuba without congressional approval.
The vote was 51-47, with John Fetterman being the only Democrat to vote against the measure. Rand Paul and Susan Collins, in turn, were the Republicans who backed it.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, a lead sponsor of the resolution, claimed that ongoing measures, including efforts to block oil shipments to the island, are already a form of military action.
"If anyone were doing to the United States what we are doing to Cuba, we would definitely regard it as an act of war," he said. "My argument is that under the terms of the resolution, we are already engaged in hostilities with Cuba because we are using American force, primarily the Coast Guard, but other assets as well, to engage in a very devastating economic blockade of the nation," he added.
Republicans have consistently shut down such attempts by Democrats, especially after the Trump administration has conducted such actions in Venezuela and Iran. House Democrats plan to force such a vote regarding Iran this week.
There have been contacts between Washington and the Havana regime over the past months as the former looks to get the latter to implement economic and democratic reforms.
However, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said negotiations with the United States will not move forward unless Washington agrees to Havana's conditions.
"If the United States does not accept negotiating on Cuban terms, there is no negotiation," Díaz-Canel said in a televised interview recorded at Havana's Palace of the Revolution last week. He emphasized that dialogue must be built on "respect" for Cuba's political system, sovereignty, and independence, adding that "imposing does not allow negotiation."
Díaz-Canel reiterated that Cuba's internal affairs are not subject to negotiation. "Our internal problems are not on the table," he said, framing any talks as contingent on equality and reciprocity. While acknowledging that conversations with U.S. officials have taken place since March, he described the process as sensitive and largely undisclosed.
The Cuban leader has publicly acknowledged the severity of the country's ongoing crisis. "Everyday life in Cuba hurts," he said during a separate public appearance marking the anniversary of the socialist revolution, citing widespread shortages, prolonged power outages and disruptions to transport and industry.
He attributed the situation primarily to U.S. sanctions, while also recognizing "our own mistakes" in governance.
Díaz-Canel also warned in that speech that a potential military confrontation with the United States remains a possibility, stating that Cuba must be prepared "to avoid it and, if it were inevitable, to win it."
