Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to testify before Congress for the first time since the Iran conflict began, addressing the Trump administration’s foreign policy strategies. Rubio, a former Republican senator, will appear before both House and Senate committees to discuss the State Department’s annual budget request. However, the focus is expected to shift towards the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which has been tested by recent exchanges of attacks.

Congressional Scrutiny

Rubio’s testimony comes at a time when the Trump administration’s decision to engage in the conflict has drawn mixed reactions. While many Republicans support the action against Iran, a growing number of GOP members have joined Democrats in questioning the financial and economic implications of the war. This internal GOP debate is particularly significant as midterm elections approach.

In recent developments, the Senate advanced legislation that would require President Trump to withdraw from the conflict, with GOP Senator Bill Cassidy joining Democrats in support of the measure. Meanwhile, the House considered a war powers resolution, but GOP leadership prevented it from reaching the floor due to insufficient support to defeat it.

Focus on Cuba

In addition to the Iran conflict, Rubio is likely to face questions about the administration’s stance on Cuba. President Trump and Rubio have both indicated that Cuba could be the next focus after Iran, especially following criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. Rubio has consistently argued that Cuba poses a national security threat due to its ties with U.S. adversaries.

Rubio’s appearances before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Appropriations subcommittee will be followed by further testimonies on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Appropriations subcommittee.

Original reporting: KTVB (Boise metro) — read the source article.