Timothy Kaine (D-VA)
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.
A Democratic resolution with 12 Democratic cosponsors · See all 13 cosponsors
Last activity — The motion to discharge fell when the point of order was well taken.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
How Congress voted
- See who voted how →A vote to set aside an objection that the measure breaks a budget rule · 04/28/2026
What this bill would do
S.J. Res. 124 directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba. This action is required unless there is a specific authorization for use of military force or a declaration of war. The resolution notes that Congress has the sole power to declare war. It also specifies that the U.S. can still defend itself from armed attacks or threats of imminent attacks. Additionally, lawful counternarcotics operations are still permitted.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +4
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
Moving away from hostilities toward authorized diplomacy shifts the focus to diplomatic engagement.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Ensures military action requires clear congressional authorization and public record.
- Scored +2
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?
Removing forces from unauthorized hostilities typically lowers defense costs.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this give the federal government more power?
Specifically restricts the President's unilateral executive power to engage in hostilities.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.
- The Senate: a vote to set aside an objection that the measure breaks a budget rule A senator objected that the measure spends or cuts more than the budget allows. Sixty votes set that objection aside; fewer, and the measure is stopped by the objection without a vote on what it would do. Point of Order Well Taken 51 yes · 47 no
04/28/2026 · Roll call 108 · recorded as “On the Point of Order S.J.Res. 124”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Accountability of Military Action: By directing the removal of forces not authorized by Congress, the resolution ensures that military hostilities are subject to the constitutional power of Congress to declare war (Section 1).
-
Protection of Self-Defense: The bill allows the United States to continue defending itself from armed attacks or imminent threats, which protects the safety of the country (Section 2(b)).
-
Continuation of Drug Enforcement: The resolution ensures that lawful counternarcotics operations can still be executed, which may benefit public safety (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for people are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — Moving away from hostilities toward authorized diplomacy shifts the focus to diplomatic engagement. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Reducing unauthorized aggression may improve diplomatic relations with other nations. Does this reduce what is spent on the military? — Removing forces from unauthorized hostilities typically lowers defense costs. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Reducing military hostilities can potentially open doors for future diplomatic and trade relations.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Asserts congressional oversight over military spending and authorizations. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — Ending unauthorized military operations potentially reduces operational spending. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — Reducing unauthorized military hostilities may lead to a decrease in unplanned defense expenditures.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Reducing hostilities against Cuba may improve relations and potentially ease tensions for those with family ties in Cuba. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Reduced hostilities can improve general diplomatic climates for immigrants from the affected region.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Ensures military action requires clear congressional authorization and public record. Does this give the federal government more power? — Specifically restricts the President's unilateral executive power to engage in hostilities.
- 4/28/2026
- Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (Pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1546a, Department of State Authorization Act). (consideration: CR S2070-2071)
- Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546a raised against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 47. Record Vote Number: 108.
- The motion to discharge fell when the point of order was well taken.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/27/2026
- 10 Cosponsors added.
- 3/12/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
- 119-HJRES-153: To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.
- 119-SJRES-193: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont