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Diaz-Balart: Changes are Fulfillment of Obama’s Shameful Pledge to Prop Up Castro Regime

January 15, 2015

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the Treasury and Commerce Departments announced changes to Cuba regulations.

"Today, the U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments announced their planned changes to the regulations that take effect tomorrow. These changes are a fulfillment of the President's shameful pledge to do all he can to prop up the Castro regime at the expense of the Cuban people. As the Administration surrenders every ounce of leverage that is within its power to cede and more, the Castro dictatorship continues to oppress the Cuban people and perpetuate its anti-American activities.

"Adding insult to injury, the Commerce Department announced, ‘As part of President Obama's initiative to encourage change in Cuba, Secretary Pritzker plans to visit Cuba to lead commercial diplomacy efforts sometime this year.' Despite this Administration's worst intentions, sanctions against the Castro regime remain codified in U.S. law and will remain in force until all political prisoners are released, independent labor unions, press, and political parties are legalized, and free, fair elections are scheduled. Until those conditions are met, the U.S. Commerce Secretary has no business going to Cuba.

"It is important to note that the President's changes to U.S.-Cuba policy are vehemently opposed by every Cuban-American Member of Congress from both chambers, and from both parties. Together, we represent the vast majority of Cuban-Americans in the United States. Yet even now, the President has failed to extend to Cuban-Americans in Congress any measure of the transparency, courtesy, and consultation on Cuba policy that he has so fully provided to the Castro regime over the past eighteen months. In one fell swoop, the President has betrayed the Cuban people and broken his promise to require basic steps toward freedom before normalizing relations with the Castro regime."

Issues:Cuba