Reaffirming Commitment to Human Rights and Democracy in Cuba

Floor Speech

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Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to provide context on my present vote on November 3rd for H. Res. 760. While I echo many of the sentiments in the resolution and appreciate Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Sires, and Rep. Diaz-Balart efforts to draw attention to the rights of the Cuban people to protest their government and to condemn the Cuban government for its repressive actions, I share the concerns of my colleagues that the resolution would perpetuate the isolation of Cuba that the Obama administration worked to reverse. I stand firmly behind the people of Cuba as they fight for their rights, which is why I did not vote against the bill.

However, I believe that such a statement on U.S.-Cuba policy should also affirm a policy of engagement and reject the use of sanctions-- like those applied by the Trump administration--that hurt the Cuban people and do nothing to support their democratic aspirations. Furthermore, I was disappointed that this resolution was brought to the floor under suspension of the rules and did not go through a markup on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, preventing the opportunity to include language that underscores our commitment to finding real solutions to the current impasse in U.S.-Cuba policy.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on a clear path forward that upholds human rights and democratic values while paving a way for practical engagement.

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