A group of U.S. Senators, led by Senator Ashley Moody and Senator Rick Scott, is intensifying pressure on the Cuban government by cosponsoring the Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act.
The proposed legislation aims to impose severe sanctions and unprecedented financial pressure on the communist regime in response to long-standing human rights abuses.
Senator Moody stated that the bill is designed to “cut off these corrupt revenue streams” and prevent a “single U.S. dollar” from propping up the oppressive government. She highlighted the personal impact of Cuban tyranny, noting that the Cuban-American community in Florida “carries the stories of families who fled persecution.”
The bill, primarily authored by Senator Scott, is far-reaching in its scope, targeting the financial and security apparatus of the Cuban state.
- Expanded Sanctions Authority: It authorizes the President to block assets and deny U.S. entry to any foreign person knowingly engaging with Cuba’s defense, security, or intelligence sectors, or other sectors involved in human rights abuses or international terrorism. This includes military contractors and mercenaries operating on behalf of the regime.
- Targeting Cuban Officials: Sanctions would also be authorized against specific members and entities of the Cuban government, including the Communist Party’s Politburo and Central Committee, the Ministry of the Interior, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and officials who violate due process rights. Spouses and children of blocked individuals would also be subject to the sanctions.
- Conditions for Sanctions Removal: The sanctions can only be terminated if the President certifies to Congress that the Cuban government has released all political prisoners, legalized all political parties, established a free press, and scheduled free, fair, multiparty internationally observed elections in a timely manner.
- Unrestricted Internet Access: The Act further authorizes the President to immediately use all means possible to provide unrestricted, reliable internet service to the Cuban people that is not censored by the regime, and requires the establishment of a task force for long-term solutions.
Senator Scott characterized Cuba as “the root of instability in Latin America and a constant threat to the national security of the United States.”
He condemned the regime for harboring terrorist groups, denying freedom, providing support to Nicolás Maduro’s government in Venezuela, and hosting a Chinese Communist Party spy station near Florida. Senator Scott also stated the bill would “build on” previous efforts to hold the regime accountable.
Senator Tommy Tuberville added his support, emphasizing the U.S. would “not stand by while the Cuban communist regime commits heinous human rights abuses and takes political prisoners,” asserting that if Cuba continues these crimes, “they should be sanctioned.”
READ: Florida Sen. Rick Scott’s ‘SAFE KIDS Act’ To Stop Adversary Baby Trafficking
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