North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined fellow Cuban American Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), and Carlos Giménez (R-FL) in a press conference to emphasize the importance of keeping Cuba on the State Department's State Sponsors of Terrorism List.

"The bottom line is we want for the Cubans what we have here in the United States: Freedom, liberty, human rights, and a free market economy," said Rep. Salazar. "The Biden Administration and those of my colleagues who just went to Cuba must open their eyes, not drink the Kool-Aid, and not negotiate with the snake of the Cuban regime."

During the press conference, Cuban regime defenders attempted to disrupt the event with common Castroist talking points. Rep. Salazar responded by highlighting the stark contrast between the defenders' freedom to speak and the lack of freedom for Cubans to protest for their liberty.

Rep. Salazar also pointed out her legislative efforts, including reintroducing H.R. 314, the Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends Act (FORCE) Act. This bill aims to prevent the President from removing Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List until specific conditions are met, as outlined in Section 205 of the LIBERTAD Act (P.L. 104-114). These conditions include the release of political prisoners, transitioning to a system that upholds the rights of the Cuban people, and committing to free and fair elections.

In closing, Rep. Salazar's message is clear: Cuba must continue to be held accountable for its actions and must meet the necessary criteria before any changes are made regarding its status on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List.

To watch Congresswoman Salazar's full remarks at the press conference in English and Spanish, click here.