US Lawmakers Criticize Economic Blockade on Cuba
Representatives Pramila Jayapal from Washington and Jonathan Jackson from Illinois have returned from a congressional trip to Cuba, expressing strong criticism of the U.S. economic restrictions on the island. They described these measures as “an illegal fuel blockade” and characterized them as a “de facto economic bombardment” that severely impacts Cuba’s infrastructure.
Their remarks followed a five-day mission during which they emphasized a humanitarian crisis, linking it directly to the U.S. embargo. They stated, “The United States’ illegal fuel blockade on Cuba, just 90 miles from its shores, adds to the longest embargo in world history and inflicts immense suffering on the Cuban population.” They pointed out that for over three months, oil has not been allowed into Cuba, calling it a brutal act of collective punishment that requires immediate cessation.
They witnessed alarming conditions firsthand, such as premature infants in incubators at risk due to power shortages, children unable to attend school for lack of transportation fuel, and cancer patients unable to access necessary treatments because of medication shortages. The interruptions in electricity also led to water shortages, closed businesses, and families struggling to keep food fresh. Notably, agricultural production only meets about 10% of the population’s needs.
During their visit, President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Cuba, labeling it a “failed nation” and insinuating that military action could follow recent U.S. operations in Venezuela and Iran.
Amidst this backdrop, Jayapal and Jackson had recently introduced a bill aimed at preventing military actions against Cuba without Congress’s sanction. They engaged with a range of Cubans during their trip, including ordinary citizens, religious figures, businesspeople, and various community groups.
“There’s a consensus that this illegal blockade should end now,” they asserted, while also noting that the majority of Americans likely do not support such actions. They acknowledged positive signs from the Cuban government, such as the release of over 2,000 prisoners and the beginnings of economic reforms allowing the involvement of Cuban-Americans in private business ventures.
They highlighted that entrepreneurship is on the rise, with small and medium enterprises now representing a significant portion of the economy. “Crucially, this government has requested an independent investigation into a recent incident involving shooting from a speedboat,” they added. Jayapal and Jackson concluded that genuine negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba are necessary to foster dignity, freedom, and mutual benefits for both nations.
