Oil Blockade. Surveillance Flights. Invasion Talk.
In February 2026, the U.S. began blocking oil tankers heading to Cuba, targeting companies including Mexico’s Pemex and threatening tariffs on countries that resisted. At least 25 military surveillance flights have been detected over and around the island using P-8A Poseidons, RC-135V Rivet Joints, and MQ-4C Triton drones.
Oil blockade active since February 2026. 25+ military surveillance flights. The president said he would “be the one” to invade. The Senate blocked a prevention resolution 51-47. Cuba does not have nuclear weapons, a major military, or oil.
In May 2026, the president said previous presidents had considered intervening in Cuba for decades but “it looks like I’ll be the one that does it.” Secretary Rubio cited Cuba’s ties to Russia and China as national security threats. Administration officials are reportedly “taking the military option more seriously than previously,” with options ranging from a single airstrike to a ground invasion.
Congress Tried to Stop It. Twice.
Sen. Tim Kaine introduced S.J.Res.124 with Sens. Schiff and Gallego, a resolution to block military action against Cuba without congressional authorization. The resolution defined the Coast Guard blockade as a hostile act requiring congressional approval.
On April 28, 2026, the Senate voted it down 51-47. Only Republicans Susan Collins and Rand Paul voted to advance it. Democrat John Fetterman voted against.
This followed the Venezuela war powers vote in January, where VP Vance cast the tiebreaker to block a similar resolution. The pattern is clear: Congress has been unable to assert its constitutional war powers against any of the administration’s military actions.
Cuba Is Not a Military Threat
Cuba does not have nuclear weapons. It does not have a navy capable of threatening the United States. Its GDP is approximately $107 billion.
Its military spending is a fraction of any NATO ally’s. On January 20, 2025, the president reversed Biden’s removal of Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, reimposing sanctions.
On March 2026, Cuba released 51 political prisoners following diplomatic engagement with the Holy See, signaling willingness to negotiate. The administration responded with broader sanctions in May.
What you can do now
- Call your U.S. senators and tell them the oil blockade and surveillance flights over Cuba constitute hostile acts that require congressional authorization. The Senate blocked Kaine’s prevention resolution 51-47, with only Collins and Paul crossing party lines. Your senator needs to hear from constituents before the next vote. Use Resist Bot to send a message.
- Contact your U.S. representative and ask them to introduce a House companion to S.J.Res.124, which would block military action against Cuba without congressional approval. No House version currently exists.
- Tell both your senators and representative that Cuba does not have nuclear weapons, a major military, or significant oil reserves, and that it released 51 political prisoners in March 2026 following Vatican-mediated diplomacy. The administration responded with broader sanctions, not engagement.
- Remind your representative that the Constitution assigns war powers to Congress, not the president. The administration has now bypassed Congress on Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran military actions. The pattern of failed war powers votes means constituent pressure is the only remaining check.