Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, alongside Senator Tommy Tuberville, has reintroduced the Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act. This legislation aims to impose severe sanctions on the Cuban regime for its alleged human rights abuses and activities that threaten U.S. national security.

Senator Scott emphasized, “Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America and a constant threat to the national security of the United States, only emboldened by the past four years of Biden-Harris appeasement policies.” He accused the Cuban government of harboring terrorist groups and oppressing both its own citizens and those in Venezuela through support for Maduro's regime. Scott stated that previous actions by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid groundwork against Cuba, but further measures are necessary.

The DEMOCRACIA Act seeks to close existing sanctions gaps and would authorize new sanctions against individuals or entities involved with Cuba’s defense, security, or intelligence sectors. It also targets those providing significant support to these sectors. The act proposes sanctions on members of various Cuban governmental bodies if they are found complicit in human rights abuses or corruption.

Senator Tuberville expressed his support by stating, “Thanks to President Trump, we have strength in the White House again. The United States will not stand by while the Cuban communist regime commits heinous human rights abuses and takes political prisoners.”

The proposed legislation allows for lifting these sanctions if Cuba meets specific conditions such as releasing political prisoners and establishing a free press. Additionally, it authorizes efforts to provide unrestricted internet access to Cubans without interference from their government.