The US Senate did not support a Democratic bill that would have required President Donald Trump to obtain Congressional approval to terminate or expand the energy blockade of Cuba. This was reported by the Associated Press, according to UNN.
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The vote ended with a result of 51 to 47—Republicans blocked the resolution, stating it was legally unfounded since the US is not at war with Cuba. The only Democrat to support the rejection was John Fetterman, while Republicans Susan Collins and Rand Paul broke with their party's position.
Political Standoff Over Cuba
The Democratic initiative sought to limit the president's ability to use force or tighten the blockade without Congressional approval. The bill's author, Tim Kaine, stated that US actions already bear the hallmarks of "hostilities," as the blockade causes humanitarian consequences, including water and electricity shortages and rising food prices.
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Republicans, meanwhile, emphasize that the Trump administration is pressuring the Cuban authorities to end political repression and implement reforms. Trump himself previously stated that after the war with Iran, he plans to focus on Cuba and promised a "new dawn" for the country.
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