Cuban-born rep to lobby Trump admin for major actions to ‘starve’ Havana regime: ‘The time is now’
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, the only Cuban-born member of Congress, is urging the Trump administration to take action against the regime in Havana by cutting off some of its last economic lifelines connected to the U.S. Despite decades of economic embargo and travel restrictions, there are still ways Americans inadvertently aid the regime.
Gimenez, who recently visited Cuba for the first time in 64 years as part of a congressional delegation to Guantanamo Bay, is calling for the cessation of all travel to and from the communist island, as well as a ban on remittances from U.S. citizens to relatives or friends there, with exceptions for specific funds approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The congressman emphasized that remittances to Cuba end up benefiting dictator Miguel Diaz-Canel’s government and believes that any measures to further tighten the economic pressure on the regime should be explored.
In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Gimenez highlighted the regime’s status as a state sponsor of terrorism, its harboring of criminal fugitives, and its threat to the safety of the United States and its citizens. He emphasized the importance of these issues to the Cuban-American community and millions of Americans who value freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Gimenez commended President Trump for reversing the Obama-era policies that allowed some leniency towards Havana. He also called for swift and decisive action to halt all travel to and from Cuba and eliminate the flow of remittances to the island.
The congressman highlighted the importance of taking a firm stand against the Cuban regime, stating that the dictatorship is on life support and America must support the Cuban people in toppling the oppressive government.
Gimenez stressed the need to cut off the regime’s access to resources, including remittances and travel, as a way to weaken its grip on power. He acknowledged that there may be short-term challenges but emphasized the long-term benefits of accelerating the collapse of the Castro/Diaz-Canel government.
When asked why Cuba is treated differently than other state sponsors of terrorism, Gimenez pointed to the proximity of Cuba to the U.S. and the large number of Cuban refugee families living in Florida and beyond. He emphasized the need to end support for the regime and called for a united effort to bring about change.
In conclusion, Gimenez urged Americans to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and support efforts to bring about democratic change in Cuba. By cutting off economic lifelines and restricting travel, the U.S. can help pave the way for a free and prosperous future for the Cuban people.
