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The U.S. Senate rejected a bill that would have required President Donald Trump to obtain congressional approval for his energy embargo targeting Cuba, after Republicans argued the measure was procedurally improper.
The bill, introduced by Democratic senators, was voted down in the Senate by 51 votes to 47.
The proposal sought to place a congressional approval requirement on Trump’s energy embargo against Cuba.
Republican senators backed the rejection of the measure, saying the regulation was not procedurally appropriate.
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who prepared the bill, said the energy embargo had caused a humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
Kaine said the embargo had disrupted health services, made it harder for millions of people to access clean water and increased food prices.
He also said the legislation aimed to prevent Trump from launching a possible military operation against Cuba.
Trump signed a presidential order on Jan. 30 requiring tariffs on all goods from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba.
The White House said the move was intended to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests against Cuba’s “harmful actions and policies.”
Trump announced on Feb. 1 that talks had begun with the Cuban government on regulating oil supplies.
Cuba denied that such talks had started.
The Cuban government activated an emergency package to remain functional without external oil supplies.
The measure came as the country faced restrictions linked to the U.S. move targeting oil sales and supplies to Cuba.
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