Sens. Cruz, Rubio Introduce Resolution in Support of the Cuban People

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week introduced a resolution in support of the men and women of Cuba as they lead historic protests throughout the island against six decades of repression and tyranny from the Castro and Díaz-Canel regime. The resolution highlights the dictatorship's long record of oppression against pro-democracy leaders, political opponents, and dissidents. Following this weekend's wave of peaceful protests, the regime has once again arbitrarily detained José Daniel Ferrer, leader of Cuba's Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, leader of the San Isidro Movement, and 200 Cubans.

Cosponsors of their resolution include: Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and Jim Risch (R-Idaho).

Upon introducing this resolution, Sen. Cruz said:

"The Cuban regime has committed murder, torture, and egregious human rights abuses against generations of Cubans. My family knows all too well the evil of the Communist Cuban regime, as my father was imprisoned and tortured by Batista, as was my aunt by Castro. This story is all too familiar to too many Cubans. I am proud to join Sen. Rubio on this resolution to send a clear message of support to all those fighting for liberty. The American people stand with the freedom loving people of Cuba."

Sen. Rubio said:

"The Cuban people are courageously standing up for their freedoms after 62 years of subjugation under a communist dictatorship. This is truly a historic moment, and one that as a Cuban American I'm proud to witness. The people of Cuba have made their voices clear. We must stand in support of the Cuban people's ongoing efforts to live in a nation free from tyranny and censorship."

Sen. Rick Scott said:

"This week, the heroic freedom fighters across Cuba have struck fear throughout the brutal Castro dictatorship and shown incredible determination in the fight to regain their freedom and put an end to the oppressive communist Cuban regime. For decades, the Castro regime has tried to spread communism throughout Latin America and now, with the world watching, the Cuban people are saying no more. Now more than ever, the United States must stand strong in its support of liberty and democracy for the Cuban people and make clear that we will never stop fighting for a new day of freedom in Cuba."

Sen. Tim Scott said:

"We must be crystal clear in our support for the brave Cubans standing up to the oppressive socialist regime that has robbed its people of their freedom for too long. The eyes of the world are fixed on the protesters demanding their God-given rights. As they wave the American flag in the streets of Cuba, we are reminded of what America symbolizes for people around the globe and our responsibility to declare with a unified voice: We stand for freedom and justice everywhere."

Sen. Tillis said:

"America stands with the Cuban people and their calls for freedom and opportunity after decades of oppression by the communist regime. I am proud to join this resolution with my colleagues and applaud Senator Rubio's leadership."

Sen. Daines said:

"The Cuban people have lived under the tyranny of a communist regime for far too long. Throughout history we've watched communism fail and freedom prevail. As thousands of Cubans stand up against oppression, America and our allies must stand with them in their fight for liberty."

Sen. Kennedy said:

"Cubans are risking their safety to demand freedom and the blessings that come with it. America must support Cubans in their historic struggle for liberty. To that end, Congress and President Biden should stand with the people of Cuba against its Communist regime both now and in the coming days."

Sen. Capito said:

"We stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba and their rejection of communist oppression. I am inspired by their courage as they join together to fight for freedom and liberty against tyranny. At this critical moment, America should be united and steadfast in our support for those seeking these fundamental human rights."

Sen. Risch added:

"Thousands of Cubans are bravely risking their lives in pursuit of a more democratic future, free from communist tyranny. Their efforts are inspiring, and I'm proud to introduce this resolution with my Senate colleagues in support of freedom and democracy for all Cubans."

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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