Chairman Sires Responds to Changes to U.S. Policy Toward Cuba

(Washington, DC) – Chairman Albio Sires of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration, and International Economic Policy, released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s recently announced changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba:

“The basic freedoms demanded by the Cuban people for over six decades have not been granted. On the contrary, human rights in Cuba have deteriorated sharply over the last ten months. Over one thousand artists, activists, and human rights defenders who fearlessly stood up for democracy last summer have been sentenced to decades in prison by the Diaz-Canel dictatorship. We are all obligated to honor the sacrifice they made for a chance at a better future for the next generation, and I have appreciated President Biden’s steadfast support for the Cuban people.

“However, I was disheartened to learn that the Biden administration will be paring back regulations on group travel to Cuba. I have long opposed measures that will create revenue for the Diaz-Canel regime without political concessions. Before we consider easing restrictions on travel and business operations in Cuba, we must demand that the regime free its political prisoners, cease its surveillance activities, and introduce reforms that create space for free press, assembly, and expression, especially online. Additionally, while I recognize the important role of remittances for many families, I am concerned that lifting the current cap will disproportionately benefit the regime rather than the Cuban people. The administration must proceed carefully to ensure it is not financing the violation of human rights, as much of the Cuban economy remains under the control of the regime and the military.

“Despite my disappointment in this decision, I am relieved to see that the Cuban Family Reunification Parole program has been restored. This is a critical program for countering the intergenerational trauma that Cuban families face and strengthening cultural ties between American and Cuban citizens. Furthermore, I am grateful that the administration has pledged to sanction the rising class of Cuban oligarchs. I will continue to urge the administration to make significant investments in preserving the safety and health of U.S. diplomatic personnel dispatched to the region.

“There is no more critical objective in U.S. foreign policy than restoring and defending fundamental human rights when they are under threat. The Cuban people deserve nothing less than our full support and our maximal effort toward this goal.”