North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), María E. Salazar (FL-27), Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (PR), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Michael Waltz (FL-06), Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Alexander Mooney (WV-02) introduced a resolution to commemorate the third anniversary of the pro-democracy 'Patria y Vida' protests in Cuba on July 11, 2021.

The full text of the resolution is available online.

The Senate companion was introduced by U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Ted Cruz (R-TX).

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart stated, "Today, we mark three years since the Cuban people risked everything for freedom by taking to the streets from every corner and in every province. According to reports, hundreds remain unjustly imprisoned, including some who were children at the time of their arrest."

Díaz-Balart criticized current U.S. policies: “Shamefully, the Biden Administration has chosen to toss a lifeline to the repressive, anti-American Cuban dictatorship by unilaterally relaxing sanctions and allowing new access to U.S. financial markets, putting our national security interests at risk.” He called for tougher sanctions on Cuba: “The United States must continue to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and deny resources to their oppressors.”

Congressman Carlos A. Giménez emphasized human rights concerns: “On July 11, 2021, thousands took to the streets in Cuba demanding the end of the brutal Communist regime that oppresses them... I urge the Biden Administration to reconsider its reckless policy of appeasement towards the military dictatorship in Havana.”

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul added his support: “Three years after tens of thousands of Cubans took to the streets nationwide... hundreds remain in prison. This regime meets nonviolent calls for democracy with unspeakable brutality.”

Congresswoman Kat Cammack highlighted resilience: “Joining this resolution is a powerful way to honor... those who’ve stood up against oppression.”

Senator Rick Scott reflected on past events: “Three years ago...the Castro/Diaz-Canel regime lashed out against these brave democracy activists and unjustly jailed thousands... We will not cower to the oppression of [this] illegitimate communist Cuban regime.”

Scott criticized recent developments under President Biden’s administration: “Unfortunately... weak appeasement [continues]. Just this year, we have seen Russian warships dock in Cuba while a Chinese spy base continues to grow on the island just 90 miles from Florida’s shores.”

Senator Marco Rubio acknowledged protestors’ courage: “The July 11, 2021 protests are a testament to [their] tenacity and their unwavering desire for freedom from tyranny.”

Senator Ted Cruz shared personal connections: “As the proud son of a courageous Cuban dissident... I commend [those] fighting back against [the] oppressive Cuban regime... ¡Viva Cuba Libre!"

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