On November 15, a group of 18 U.S. Congressmen sent a letter to President Biden “with a deep sense of urgency to request immediate action to stabilize Cuba’s energy infrastructure and provide critical humanitarian assistance. The Cuban people are currently facing widespread blackouts and an escalating energy crisis, exacerbated by the impact of Hurricane Rafael. The situation is not only causing immense suffering for the Cuban people but also poses serious risks to U.S. national security interests. If left unaddressed, the crisis will almost certainly fuel increased migration, strain U.S. border management systems, and fully destabilize the already-strained Caribbean region.”[1]
“Since 2022, over 850,000 Cubans have sought refuge in the United States—the largest exodus in the island’s history. The ongoing collapse of essential services, particularly electricity, has further exacerbated this exodus. The latest energy crisis threatens to trigger another unprecedented wave of migration, with hundreds of thousands more Cubans likely to seek entry to the U.S.”
Therefore, their letter “respectfully urge your administration to quickly take the following actions to address this urgent crisis and safeguard U.S. interests:”
- “Remove the State Sponsor of Terror Designation “
“We strongly recommend removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) list. This will reduce barriers to oil shipments and clarify that carriers and insurers can operate legally in Cuba, facilitating access to energy and economic relief for the Cuban people.”
- “Expedite Emergency Humanitarian and Technical Assistance to the Cuban People”
“The U.S. government should immediately provide humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, while deploying technical assistance and equipment to stabilize Cuba’s electrical grid. This aid should be delivered to the Cuban people without delay, and in coordination with international partners such as the European Union, FAO, WFP, and PAHO to maximize its impact.
- “Issue Safe Harbor Letters to Address Overcompliance with Sanctions”
“One key barrier to increased non-government assistance to Cuba is the fear that private businesses and non-profit organizations have of running afoul of U.S. sanctions, whether or not a General License is available from Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). We strongly urge the provision of OFAC safe harbor letters to ensure that
humanitarian aid efforts to Cuba, including the provision of food, medicine, and technical assistance, fully comply with U.S. sanctions regulations and are protected from enforcement actions.”
- “Suspend Sanctions Impeding Aid”
“We urge you to suspend sanctions that hinder the flow of humanitarian assistance, including restoring the EAR license exception to allow donations to Cuban health and humanitarian relief entities. These changes will enable quicker assistance from U.S. humanitarian organizations, religious groups, and private citizens to the Cuban people.”
- “Facilitate Energy Infrastructure Repair and Modernization”
“The U.S. should fast-track the export of critical equipment needed to repair and upgrade Cuba’s energy grid. In addition, lifting Cuba-specific restrictions on oil and LPG exports will help prevent a total grid collapse.”
“Regardless of the Cuban government’s stance, it is imperative that the U.S. government demonstrates a willingness to aid the Cuban people directly. The Cuban government’s frequent attempts to blame the U.S. for the island’s problems should not deter us from offering the assistance necessary to alleviate suffering of the Cuban people and prevent further regional destabilization.”
“The escalating energy crisis in Cuba presents not just a humanitarian concern but a serious national security challenge for the U.S. If left unaddressed, the situation risks further destabilizing the Caribbean region, increasing migration flows, and straining U.S. border management systems, while strengthening the hand of malign actors in the Western Hemisphere. Acting swiftly to provide humanitarian and technical support will not only alleviate immediate suffering but also open avenues for broader diplomatic engagement. This engagement can extend to critical issues such as the release of political prisoners, human rights, and improved governance, building a foundation for more constructive dialogue between the two countries.”
“We understand that absent action from Congress, executive actions on Cuba are subject to reversal. That should not deter us from acting to avert further suffering and damage to United States interests. Even temporary relief can save lives and permit the Cuban people a chance to insulate themselves and their families from further vulnerability. We urge your administration to act swiftly to implement these measures and mitigate the growing crisis in Cuba while advancing U.S. interests in the region.”
The Congressmen who signed this letter were Barbara Lee, James McGovern, Gregory Meeks, Joaquin Castro, Pramila Jayapal, Ilhan Omar, Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jesus “Chuy”” Garcia, Delia C. Ramirez, Nydia M. Velazquez, Raul M. Grijalva, Zoe Lofgren, Mark Pocan, Steve Cohen, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Jonathan L. Jackson and Jan Schakowsky.
Comments
Thanks to these Congressmen for making these suggestions to President Biden in the last weeks of his Administration. They are measure that are needed by Cuba and by the U.S., and President Biden should implement them as soon as possible. He also should ask Congress to terminate the U.S. embargo of Cuba, but that faces the obstacle of Republican (slim) control of the House of Representatives.
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[1] Press Release, Representatives Lee, McGovern, Meeks, and Castro Lead Congressional Letter to President Biden Urging Sanctions Relief for Cuba Amid Humanitarian Crisis, (Nov. 10, 2024); Press Release, US Congressmen want Biden to facilitate the repair of Cuba’s ‘energy infrastructure,’ Diario de Cuba (Nov. 20, 2024); Letter, Congressmen Barbara Lee, James McGovern, Gregroy Meeks, Joquin Castro, Pramila Jaypal, Ilhan Omar, Greg Casas, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jesus “Clay” Garcia, Delia C. Ramirez, Nydia M. Velazquez, Raul M. Grijalva, Zoe Lofgren, Mark Pocan, Steve Cohen, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Jonathan L. Jackson and Jan Schakowsky to President Biden (Nov. 15, 2024); U.S. Congressmen ask Biden to remove Cuba from terrorist list, Granma (Nov. 19, 2024).
