Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine Files Another War Powers Resolution, This Time To Prevent Trump From Bypassing Congress To Attack Cuba

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has introduced a new War Powers Resolution, this time aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from bypassing Congress to attack Cuba.

"Only Congress has the power to declare war under the Constitution, but he operates with the belief that the U.S. military is a palace guard, ordering military action in the Caribbean, Venezuela, and Iran without Congress' authorization or any explanation for his actions to the American people," Kaine said in a statement when announcing the initiative.

Sens. Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff joined Kaine in filing the resolution, which could receive a vote by the end of the month. However, previous attempts to pass such a resolution in connection with conflicts in Venezuela and Iran failed in recent weeks.

The filing comes after Trump said that there could be a "friendly takeover of Cuba." "They're in a big deal of trouble. They have no money. They have nothing right now. But they're talking with us," Trump said last week.

And on Friday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed for the first time talks with the Trump administration following weeks of speculation on the matter.

In images of a government meeting aired on Friday morning, Diaz-Canel said officials have held talks with U.S. counterparts, claiming they "have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations."

He went on to say that the conversations will firstly seek to "identify the bilateral problems that require solution based on their severity and impact, and second to find solutions to these identified problems."

"Furthermore, the talks aim to determine the willingness of both sides to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries. And, in addition, they seek to identify areas of cooperation to confront threats and guarantee the security and peace of both nations," Diaz-Canel said.

Trump had also anticipated there could be substantial changes in the country before the end of the month, as his administration continues to put pressure on the island by preventing it from getting fuel.

Speaking during a ceremony with the players of Inter Miami, champions of the Major League Soccer, Trump told one of the club's owners, Cuban-American businessman Jorge Mas Santos that he would be able to go back to the island soon.

"You are going to go back and won't need my approval, you just fly back in; I can just see that," Trump said at the White House. "I just want to wait a couple of weeks, but we'll be together again soon, I suspect, celebrating what's going on in Cuba." The remarks could have hinted at the relaxation of travel restrictions.