North Miami-Dade News

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

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

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart stated: “Today we commemorate three years since the Cuban people risked everything for freedom and took to the streets in every province and corner. According to reports, hundreds remain unjustly imprisoned, including some who were minors at the time of their arrest. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration has chosen to throw a lifeline to the repressive and anti-American Cuban dictatorship by unilaterally relaxing sanctions and allowing new access to U.S. financial markets, endangering our national security interests. Meanwhile, the regime continues its malign activities with flagrant human rights abuses, interfering in our democracy, and allowing adversaries like Communist China to establish a spy base on the island while also inviting Russia to conduct naval exercises just 90 miles from our shores. The Biden Administration must stop appeasing our adversaries and impose strong sanctions on the Cuban regime. The United States must continue standing in solidarity with the Cuban people and deny resources to their oppressors. Cubans will be free and will remember those who stood by their side.”

Congressman Carlos A. Giménez, the only member of Congress born in Cuba, remarked: “On July 11, 2021, thousands took to the streets in Cuba demanding an end to the brutal communist regime that oppresses them. Since then, freedom fighters and patriots like José Daniel Ferrer have been imprisoned for speaking out against Castro's regime. The United States has a moral responsibility to denounce ongoing human rights violations. I urge the Biden Administration to reconsider its reckless policy of appeasement towards Havana's military dictatorship and demand the immediate release of all political prisoners in Cuba.”

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul said: “Three years after tens of thousands of Cubans took to streets across the country peacefully protesting against Díaz-Canel’s communist regime, hundreds remain imprisoned. This regime responds to nonviolent calls for democracy with indescribable brutality. I will never stop supporting brave Cubans fighting for freedom against this.”

Congresswoman Kat Cammack commented: “I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing July 11 protests in Cuba as a crucial moment in Cuban people's fight for freedom. Joining this resolution is a powerful way to honor those who opposed oppression by highlighting human rights violations perpetrated by the communist regime.”

Senator Rick Scott stated: “Three years ago, Cuba's communist regime weakened when people rose up against it after over 60 years of oppression that ruined their nation. Terrified by these demonstrations, Castro/Díaz-Canel’s regime cracked down on these brave democracy activists and unjustly imprisoned thousands including hundreds of children and peaceful pro-democracy figures like José Daniel Ferrer at great risk due to torture under horrific conditions imposed by this regime."

Senator Marco Rubio said: "The July 11 protests are a testament to Cuban people's tenacity and unwavering desire for freedom from tyranny."

Senator Ted Cruz added: "As a proud son of a brave Cuban dissident I've heard firsthand from my father about dissidents’ long-endured atrocious treatment under Cuban dictatorships; I commend brave Cubans fighting oppressive regimes for basic human rights & political freedoms."