The Senate voted 51-47 on Tuesday to block a resolution that would have restricted President Trump from using military force in Cuba without congressional authorization. It marks the latest defeat for lawmakers attempting to curb the president's authority over overseas military operations.
The vote underscores the strong Republican support Trump maintains on Capitol Hill. Only two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky, backed the measure, while Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman was the sole member of his party to oppose it.
Trump has intensified pressure on Cuba this year, imposing a de facto maritime blockade. U.S. Coast Guard and naval assets have intercepted or deterred fuel shipments bound for the island, severely limiting supplies. The president has repeatedly floated the possibility of military action or regime change.
The Senate has similarly rejected previous efforts to limit military action in Iran. House Democrats plan to force another Iran war powers vote this week, though past attempts have also failed in the chamber.
Critics argue the resolutions amount to symbolic gestures that fail to meaningfully constrain executive power. They point to Congress's inability to override presidential vetoes or secure enough bipartisan support for binding restrictions.