Expressing Solidarity with Cuban Citizens for Fundamental Freedoms

Floor Speech

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Ms. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Green.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 760. I want to thank my colleagues, Mario Diaz-Balart and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, for sponsoring this resolution denouncing the Cuban regime and supporting freedom for the people of Cuba.

On July 11, the world watched as thousands of Cubans peacefully took to the streets calling for libertad, meaning freedom or liberty. But the Castro thugs responded by cracking their heads open in the streets of Havana. Ever since, countless dissidents have been arrested, and hundreds more have disappeared.

But what is encouraging is that these young men and women of unbelievable courage cannot be stopped.

And do you know why, Mr. Speaker? Because their hunger to pursue freedom and to pursue happiness drives them, and that is bigger than the stranglehold the Castro regime has put on them for 60 years. Apparently, freedom is bigger than fear, and that is why, in 10 days from today, on November 15, these brave freedom fighters will flood the streets of Cuba once again.

Already, the Castro repressive apparatus is showing its ugly head. That is why we, the United States Congress, the seat of power in this shining city on a hill the whole world is watching, must approve this resolution today to express solidarity with the Cuban people.

We are demanding that peaceful protesters be allowed to assemble without fear of being brutalized. We are condemning the heinous crimes committed by this tyrannical regime. We are calling now on the Biden administration peacefully and respectfully to provide internet to Cuba.

We are on the cusp of momentous change for that island. We are less than 2 weeks away from another heroic demonstration by the Cuban people. We are less than 2 weeks away from another violent crackdown by the regime.

These pictures right here are evidence. They came straight from Cuban television. Castro's civilian gestapo, armed with clubs, is ready to attack those who will dare to shout ``libertad'' on the streets of Cuba because in Cuba protesters are brutalized, detained, and beaten. They are jailed and charged with treason because in the eyes of this murderous regime, free speech is a crime and liberty is illegal.

This resolution from the United States House of Representatives will send a message loud and clear that we will always stand on the side of freedom, democracy, and human rights and that the Castro regime's days are numbered. May the Lord allow for that.

The world is watching, and it is time for the Cubans to be free like Americans, like we all are.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 760.

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