Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart and Debbie Wasserman Schultz have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to rename the street in front of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C., as “Oswaldo Payá Way.” This initiative honors Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, a pro-democracy activist from Cuba who was killed in 2012. The incident involved a car crash allegedly orchestrated by the Castro regime, which also claimed the life of young activist Harold Cepero. Spanish activist Angel Carromero survived and has recounted the event.
Recently, Rosa María Payá, daughter of Oswaldo Payá, was elected as a commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. She continues her father’s legacy by advocating for freedom in Cuba and other regions under tyranny.
The original House cosponsors of this bill include María Elvira Salazar, Frederica Wilson, Carlos A. Giménez, Darren Soto, and Nicole Malliotakis. In the Senate, the companion bill was reintroduced by Senators Ted Cruz, Richard Durbin, John Curtis, and Rick Scott.
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart stated that renaming the street will honor those lost while ensuring their legacy endures. He emphasized that “the Cuban people will be free” due to courageous individuals risking everything for freedom.
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz highlighted Oswaldo Payá’s efforts against decades of violence and intimidation in Cuba. She expressed pride in honoring him with this symbolic gesture at such a significant location.
