A growing chorus in the U.S. Congress is escalating pressure on the Biden administration to completely sever remaining economic ties with Cuba, following recent disruptions to the island’s oil supply. Three Republican representatives – Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, and María Elvira Salazar – are demanding a full shutdown of commercial support for the Cuban government.
The lawmakers’ call to action comes as Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly warned his nation is teetering on the brink of collapse, predicting potential fuel shortages within just two weeks. His desperate plea, reported by international news outlets, paints a stark picture of a country struggling under economic strain.
While Díaz-Canel decries U.S. policy as “genocidal,” the Florida representatives view the tightening restrictions as a necessary step. They are specifically targeting export licenses, totaling over $100 million, which they believe primarily benefit the ruling regime rather than the Cuban people.
A detailed 50-page document, obtained by the representatives, reveals a surprising array of goods still being approved for export to Cuba. The list includes not just essential supplies, but luxury items like high-end vehicles and Jacuzzi tubs, destined for addresses linked to the Cuban government in Havana.
The lawmakers have directly appealed to key officials at the Commerce Department and Treasury, urging them to revoke licenses that funnel economic benefits to entities controlled by the Cuban state. They cite the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996, which mandates denying economic support until significant democratic reforms are implemented.
According to policy analysts, the issue isn’t simply a matter of oversight. While exports of food and medicine require careful consideration, a substantial portion of permitted goods appear to be diverted to benefit government officials and their allies, rather than reaching ordinary citizens. Crumbling infrastructure stands in stark contrast to the well-maintained homes of those connected to the regime.
The representatives are demanding a comprehensive review of all existing licenses, advocating for stricter scrutiny of future requests. Their goal is to ensure all commercial activity aligns with the intent of U.S. law and effectively denies economic support to a government labeled a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
Despite this push for stricter measures, the lawmakers emphasized their support for the Trump administration’s previous actions against the Cuban regime, and anticipate continued enforcement of existing sanctions. They believe a firm stance is crucial to fostering meaningful change on the island.
The Commerce Department has been asked for comment regarding the detailed manifest of exported goods, as the debate over the effectiveness and impact of U.S. policy towards Cuba intensifies.
