Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.— On the third anniversary of the Cuban protests for freedom, ‘Patria y Vida,’ Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz introduced a resolution condemning the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime for its oppressive actions against Cubans. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart is leading the resolution in the House of Representatives with support from House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Representatives Carlos Gimenez, Kat Cammack, María Elvira Salazar, Mike Waltz, Alex Mooney, Jenniffer González-Colón and Nicole Malliotakis.

Senator Rick Scott stated, “Three years ago, the Communist Cuban regime was weakened as the people stood up to denounce the oppressive communist rule that has brought ruin to their nation for more than 60 years. Terrified by these demonstrations, the Castro/Diaz-Canel regime lashed out against these brave democracy activists and unjustly jailed thousands, including hundreds of children and peaceful, pro-democracy figures. We cannot forget those who remain incarcerated, like Jose Daniel Ferrer, Felix Navarro and his daughter Sayli Navarro, Carlos Michael and many others. Some, like Jose Daniel Ferrer, are at serious risk of death due to the regime’s torture and inhumane conditions. We will not cower to the oppression of the illegitimate communist Cuban regime. We know that a new day of freedom and democracy is closer than ever before in Cuba.”

Scott also criticized current U.S. policy towards Cuba: “Unfortunately, the Biden administration continues to fail the Cuban people and put the security of the United States at risk with weak appeasement of the regime... I urge the Biden administration to stand with the Cuban people."

Senator Marco Rubio remarked on past protests: “The July 11, 2021 protests are a testament to the Cuban people’s tenacity and their unwavering desire for freedom from tyranny.”

Senator Ted Cruz added personal context: “As the proud son of a courageous Cuban dissident... I commend... Cubans fighting back against...the oppressive Cuban regime."

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart emphasized continued injustices: "Today we mark three years since...hundreds remain unjustly imprisoned... Shamefully...the Biden Administration has chosen to toss a lifeline to [the] repressive anti-American Cuban dictatorship..."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul commented on ongoing resistance: “This regime meets nonviolent calls for democracy with unspeakable brutality. I will never stop supporting brave Cubans fighting for freedom.”

Congressman Carlos A. Giménez urged action from U.S.: "The United States has [a] moral responsibility to call out continued human rights violations."

Congresswoman Kat Cammack expressed solidarity: “Joining this resolution is a powerful way to honor courage...calling attention to human rights violations perpetrated by [the] communist regime.”

Since July 11 demonstrations began in 2021, Senator Scott has consistently condemned Cuba's leadership and demanded action from international leaders.