The Cuban American congressman, Carlos A. Giménez, formally requested the White House for the immediate suspension of all travel to and from Cuba, as well as the elimination of remittance transfers to the island, except for humanitarian exceptions previously approved by the Department of State.
The request was formalized on April 2nd through a letter addressed to the Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, in which the legislator from Florida's District 28 urged the U.S. government to take more aggressive action against the Cuban communist regime.
"I am writing to you today to respectfully request the cessation of all travel to and from communist Cuba, as well as the elimination of remittances to the island, with very limited humanitarian exceptions approved by the State Department," Giménez stated at the beginning of his letter.
The congressman justified his request by appealing to national security and U.S. foreign policy, reminding that Cuba is included on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
“The regime in Cuba is on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, harbors fugitives from U.S. justice, and poses a clear threat to the security of the United States and our citizens,” he warned.
"This is a matter of great importance for the Cuban-American community and for millions of Americans who value freedom, democracy, and human rights as guiding principles," he emphasized.
Defense of Trump's policy
The Republican representative took the opportunity to praise the policy towards Cuba implemented during Donald Trump's previous administration, especially regarding the restriction of remittances and travel.
“During President Trump's first term, his leadership in reversing the disastrous appeasement policies of the Obama administration towards the Cuban regime brought hope to those who have suffered for a long time under communist rule, he noted.”
Giménez specified that the tightening of restrictions on travel and remittances was then received "as a very necessary step to limit the regime's access to resources and foreign currency that it uses to continue exploiting and oppressing the Cuban people."
In that regard, he also positively assessed the recent measures taken by the current government, although he emphasized that there is still a long way to go.
“We applaud and welcome the latest policies from the Administration to prohibit vessels from communist Cuba in U.S. ports, but there is still much to be done,” he clarified.
An opportunity to pressure the regime
Giménez emphasized in the letter the current weakness of the Cuban regime and noted that this situation represents a unique opportunity to increase pressure from Washington.
In this context, he urged the Department of the Treasury to act decisively and to "take swift and decisive measures."
The legislator used a strong tone to refer to the current state of the Cuban regime, which he characterized as fragile and in decline.
“The murderous dictatorship in Cuba is on life support; the regime can't even keep the lights on [...] The United States must support the Cuban people to overthrow this pathetic gang once and for all,” he added.
"I look forward to your continued leadership on this important issue and I am ready to work with you to ensure that the Cuban people are not left behind in their struggle for freedom. The time is now," he concluded.
"We shouldn't be traveling to Cuba."
Giménez has not been the first to suggest since January a potential suspension of travel to Cuba. In February, Florida Senator, Rick Scott called for stricter sanctions against the Cuban government, including new restrictions on flights to the island.
“We should not be traveling to Cuba. Those who want to go to Cuba should go [to live] in Cuba”, declared Scott in an interview with CBS News Miami.
Scott argued that the money spent by Cuban Americans in the island strengthens the regime, generates financial benefits for the Cuban military, and reinforces government repression.
Historically, republican administrations have imposed greater restrictions on travel to Cuba.
During Donald Trump's administration, in 2019 and 2020, the United States banned flights to eight Cuban cities outside of Havana.
Filed under:
