Related videos:
Republican senators Rick Scott and Tommy Tuberville announced the reintroduction of the Denial of Profits to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restriction of Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act (DEMOCRACY, for its acronym in English).
This bill aims to increase pressure on the Cuban regime through stringent financial sanctions and the restriction of economic activities linked to the island's security and intelligence apparatus.
In a statement, Senator Scott -the main advocate of the legislation- stated: “Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America and a constant threat to the national security of the United States. With this law, we continue efforts to close existing sanctions gaps and deny resources to the Díaz-Canel dictatorship.”
Objectives of the DEMOCRACY Law
The proposal authorizes the President of the United States to impose economic sanctions and travel restrictions on any foreign individual or entity that collaborates with the defense, intelligence, or security sector of the Cuban regime.
The sectors and officials that could be affected by these sanctions include:
- Members of the Communist Party of Cuba, including the Political Bureau and the Central Committee.
- Ministry of the Interior and the Revolutionary National Police.
- Members of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution.
- Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Office of the President of Cuba.
- Judicial officials who violate the rights to due process.
Additionally, the law empowers the president to ensure Cubans have access to uncensored Internet service, using all available technological means to counter the regime's surveillance and blockade.
A new approach to policy towards Cuba
Senator Tuberville stated: “The United States cannot stand idly by while the Cuban communist regime commits egregious human rights abuses and keeps hundreds of political prisoners in its jails. If Cuba wishes to continue its repressive policies, it must face severe consequences.”
The legislation also includes penalties for any foreign entity that finances, supports, or establishes trade agreements with the security and intelligence apparatus of the Cuban regime.
If approved, the DEMOCRACY Law would impose restrictions on economic transactions that directly benefit the ruling elite in Cuba.
Conditions for the lifting of sanctions
For the sanctions to be lifted, the Cuban government must demonstrate significant progress in terms of human rights and democracy. Among the required conditions are:
- The immediate release of all political prisoners.
- The legalization of independent political parties.
- Guarantees of freedom of the press and expression.
- Free and multiparty elections with international oversight.
Reactions and Background
The DEMOCRACY Act was introduced for the first time in October 2021 and has since been supported by a group of Republican legislators, including Senators Marco Rubio, Roger Marshall, Tommy Tuberville, and Mike Braun, as well as Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and María Elvira Salazar.
In a context of escalating repression in Cuba and allegations of espionage linked to the regime, the reintroduction of this bill strengthens the stance of the United States against the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel and aims to cut off the resources that support its control and surveillance apparatus.
In January 2025, Senator Rick Scott proposed to President Trump the implementation of stricter measures against the Cuban regime, insisting that the U.S. must maintain a policy of maximum pressure.
Interviewed by Martí Noticias, Scott stated that “Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America,” and that he is working in Washington to promote democratic change on the island.
"It is important to reinstate sanctions against the regime and against all the thugs in Cuba. Denying visas to the United States to those who have fought against freedom and democracy and cutting off their flow of money," declared the legislator.
He also stated that "the regime is a threat to the national security of the United States" and emphasized the need to keep Cuba on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
"I spoke with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz about the importance of keeping Cuba on the list," he added.
Filed under:
