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A group of Democratic lawmakers stated on Thursday that "Cuba is not for Donald Trump to appropriate," and that they opposed "the illegal use of the U.S. military" on the island.
"Cuba is not for Donald Trump to appropriate, and today we firmly oppose the illegal use of the U.S. military to turn Cuba into another playground for Trump’s chaotic adventurism," stated on X Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), the ranking Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"Such recklessness would endanger American lives, cost taxpayers billions, and, most likely, leave the underlying political and economic conditions unchanged," he emphasized.
Meeks added that "the United States cannot bring Cuba out of economic collapse or political repression by bombarding it; lasting change must come through empowering the Cuban people, not by insisting on a failed approach that disproportionately harms them."
The group presented in the House of Representatives the so-called Prevent an Unconstitutional War in Cuba Act, an initiative to prevent President Donald Trump from using federal funds for military actions against Cuba without prior authorization from Congress.
The news was also covered by The Hill, which detailed the implications of the proposal.
Representatives Meeks and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) led the initiative, which has 14 Democratic co-sponsors.
The law would prohibit the use of federal funds to employ military force in or against Cuba from its enactment until December 31, 2026, except in the case of a declaration of war by Congress or an emergency under the War Powers Act.
Jayapal was direct in pointing out the administration's pattern: "Trump has initiated illegal regime change conflicts in Venezuela and Iran, and now he threatens Cuba. Trump promised to end endless wars — he lied. Only Congress has the power to declare war, something Trump clearly does not respect."
The initiative responds to public statements made by the president in which he said: "I believe I will have the honor of taking Cuba", adding that "whether to liberate it or take it — I think I can do whatever I want with it... They are a very weakened nation now."
On March 16, Trump hinted to Politico that "Cuba sees the end", referring to a potential collapse of the regime.
Two days before the presentation of this law, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez had introduced a War Powers Resolution with the same objective.
"While threatening to 'take' Cuba, his oil blockade is exacerbating a humanitarian crisis and punishing the Cuban people," Velázquez pointed out, who also warned that Trump's policy "is endangering countless American and foreign lives."
The context surrounding these initiatives is one of sustained escalation. Since January 1, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency due to the threats posed by Cuba.
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