Krishnamoorthi and Velázquez Urge NDAA Provision Blocking Unauthorized Military Action Against Cuba

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) today sent a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith urging inclusion of language in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibiting the use of funds authorized by the bill for military operations against Cuba unless specifically approved by Congress.

In the letter, the members warned that President Trump “has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to use military force without congressional authorization,” noting that he has already undertaken military action in Venezuela, initiated a war with Iran, and publicly declared that “Cuba is next.”

The lawmakers also pointed to reports indicating that U.S. military planners are “weighing an array of options” that “could range from a single airstrike meant to scare the regime into concessions to a ground invasion meant to uproot it,” underscoring the need for Congress to act before additional military action is underway.

“Congress should not wait until additional military action is underway in Cuba to assert its constitutional authorities,” the members wrote. “Therefore, we urge the Committee to adopt clear language prohibiting the obligation or expenditure of funds for military operations against Cuba unless and until Congress has specifically authorized such action.”

In the letter, the members also reaffirmed Congress’s constitutional role in matters of war and peace, stating: “Congress alone possesses the authority to declare war, and the Committee should make clear that no funds authorized by this Act may be used to circumvent that fundamental constitutional principle.”

The letter is available here.