Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has issued a statement urging President Joe Biden to reject any efforts to remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list. This designation was made during the Trump administration in January 2021. Senator Scott has introduced legislation aimed at preventing the normalization of relations with Cuba until democracy is restored on the island.

Senator Scott expressed concern over "calls at the 11th hour of the Biden administration from communist-sympathizers in the Democrat Party for President Biden to remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list." He described these calls as "not just ignorant, but dangerous," and criticized what he sees as years of appeasement toward Cuba by the Biden-Harris administration. According to Scott, this approach has fueled terrorism and instability in the Western Hemisphere and poses a risk to U.S. national security.

The senator further stated that removing Cuba from this list would ignore its alleged activities, such as harboring terrorists and providing support to oppressive regimes. He argued that such actions destabilize the region and aid America's adversaries like Russia, Iran, and China.

Since demonstrations began in July 2021, Senator Scott has been vocal against what he terms as brutal oppression by the Cuban regime. His proposed FORCE Act aims to keep Cuba on the terrorism list until it meets specific conditions related to political freedom and human rights.

Additionally, his DEMOCRACIA Act seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and entities associated with human rights abuses or supporting international terrorism in Cuba. The act also includes measures for providing unrestricted internet access to Cubans.