Senate Blocks Cuba War Powers Resolution After Point of Order Sustained 51-47; King Charles III Addresses Joint Meeting of Congress
The Senate convened on April 28, 2026, with a significant portion of the day dedicated to a joint meeting of Congress addressed by His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Following the joint meeting, the Senate returned to legislative business, notably engaging in a debate and vote on a War Powers Resolution concerning United States actions in Cuba. A motion to discharge the resolution from committee failed after a point of order challenging its privilege was sustained. The Senate also processed several bills by unanimous consent and addressed various procedural matters, including setting a future cloture vote on FISA reauthorization.
This chamber-day was significant due to the rare address by a foreign monarch to a joint meeting of Congress, underscoring the enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. Legislatively, the debate and vote on the Cuba War Powers Resolution highlighted ongoing tensions regarding executive authority in foreign policy and the constitutional role of Congress in authorizing military action, even as the resolution ultimately failed to advance.
Directing the Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities Within or Against the Republic of Cuba That Have Not Been Authorized by Congress
S.J. Res. 124Question before the chamber
Motion to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations from further consideration of S.J. Res. 124.
The case for
Senator Kaine argued that the U.S. is engaged in hostilities against Cuba through an energy blockade causing severe humanitarian crises, including canceled surgeries, power blackouts, and water shortages. He asserted that a desire for regime change is not sufficient reason for military action without congressional authorization, citing the constitutional command for the legislature to provide a check against executive overreach in matters of war. Senators Coons, Welch, Gallego, and Van Hollen supported this, emphasizing the constitutional role of Congress in authorizing military force and criticizing the administration's 'go-fast-and-break-things' approach and 'failed, bankrupt policy' towards Cuba, which they argued punishes the Cuban people rather than the regime.
The case against
Senator Scott of Florida argued that the resolution was 'completely out of touch with the facts in Cuba' and 'moot' because President Trump had never suggested putting troops on the ground. He criticized the Cuban regime as an 'authoritarian dictatorship' that 'has killed Americans and its citizens' and cozies up to U.S. enemies. He accused Democrats of political posturing and defending a regime that oppresses its people, highlighting the suffering of political prisoners like Alexander Diaz Rodriguez.
Disposition
Point of order sustained · recorded vote
The motion to discharge the resolution from committee failed.
Yeas 51, Nays 47
Who is affected
- Cuban citizens: Directly affected by the U.S. energy blockade, leading to humanitarian crises including medical procedure cancellations, power blackouts, and water shortages.
- United States Congress: The debate concerned the constitutional authority of Congress to declare war and authorize military action, challenging executive branch actions without such authorization.
- United States military personnel: Potential involvement in military actions in Cuba, which proponents argued should require explicit congressional approval.
- United States taxpayers: Potential costs associated with military intervention or prolonged economic pressure campaigns.
King Charles III Addresses Joint Meeting of Congress
highHis Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom addressed a joint meeting of the House and Senate, emphasizing the special relationship between the two nations and shared values of liberty and legislative checks on executive power.
Cuba War Powers Resolution Fails to Advance
highA motion to discharge S.J. Res. 124, a joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba, failed after a point of order challenging its privilege was sustained by a rollcall vote of 51-47. Proponents argued for congressional authorization for actions causing humanitarian crises in Cuba, while opponents questioned the premise of hostilities and criticized the Cuban regime.
Cloture Vote on FISA Reauthorization Scheduled
mediumThe Senate agreed by unanimous consent to schedule a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 4344, a bill to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, no later than Friday, May 1. This agreement followed a debate on the need for reforms to the surveillance authority.
Several Bills Passed by Unanimous Consent
mediumThe Senate passed three bills by unanimous consent: S. 2934, the 'Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025'; S. 272, the 'Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act,' as amended; and S. 4161, the 'Maverick Act,' as amended. These measures addressed issues ranging from civil actions affected by U.S. sanctions to infant formula safety and military aircraft conveyance.