Sponsors (36)
The bill strengthens congressional control and reduces the risk of unilateral U.S. military action toward Cuba through 2026 while preserving narrow self‑defense authority — but it may slow or complicate rapid responses and force urgent congressional action in crises.
Congress and taxpayers: Requires a formal declaration or a post-enactment AUMF that meets the War Powers Resolution for U.S. military actions against Cuba through Dec 31, 2026, giving Congress stronger control over decisions to use force.
Military personnel and federal employees: Restricts the President from committing U.S. forces to hostilities with Cuba without congressional approval during the covered period, reducing the risk of unilateral escalation.
Military personnel and federal employees: Preserves the President's emergency self‑defense authority if the U.S. or its forces are attacked, allowing immediate defensive responses while the authorization requirement remains in place.
Military personnel and taxpayers: Could limit the President's ability to respond quickly to emerging threats involving Cuba that fall outside the War Powers self‑defense exception, potentially delaying military or security actions.
Congress and military personnel: Could force Congress to act rapidly to authorize force during a crisis, creating opportunities for political disagreement or deadlock that delay decisions and raise risks or costs for U.S. forces.
Taxpayers and military personnel: If Congress does not authorize needed operations, limits on use of funds may push the U.S. to rely more on non‑military tools (diplomacy, sanctions) that could be less effective and prolong conflicts or threats.
Based on analysis of 1 section of legislative text.
Prevents federal funds from being used for military force in or against Cuba through Dec 31, 2026, unless Congress declares war or enacts a War Powers Resolution–compliant authorization; preserves the WPR attack exception.
Official title: To prohibit the use of funds to use military force in or against Cuba, and for other purposes.
Introduced March 26, 2026 by Pramila Jayapal · Last progress March 26, 2026
Prohibits obligating or spending any federal funds to use military force in or against the Republic of Cuba from enactment through December 31, 2026, unless Congress either declares war or passes a specific statutory authorization that satisfies the War Powers Resolution. Allows a narrowly drawn exception for situations covered by the War Powers Resolution when the United States is attacked (national emergency created by attack on the U.S., its territories, or its armed forces).