WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, as power and internet outages and food shortages under the illegitimate communist Castro/Díaz-Canel regime are stoking waves of peaceful demonstrations across Cuba, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement demanding an immediate vote on his Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act. The DEMOCRACIA Act would hold the illegitimate communist Cuban regime accountable through severe sanctions and unprecedented financial pressure. Representatives Byron Donalds, Alex Mooney, Mario Díaz-Balart and María Elvira Salazar introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.

Since the July 11 demonstrations began, Senator Scott has continued to condemn the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime’s brutal oppression of the Cuban people and demand action from the Biden administration and international leaders to support the Cuban people. See a list of Senator Scott’s actions and statements HERE.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The United States must stand with the brave Cuban people as they once again peacefully demonstrate against the oppressive Castro/Díaz-Canel regime and its atrocious crimes against humanity. It is time for a new day of freedom and ‘Patria y Vida’ in Cuba and passing my DEMOCRACIA Act would send a clear message that the United States will lead the freedom-loving nations of the world in the defense of human rights in Cuba and Latin America. Last night, we heard rumors that democracy activist José Daniel Ferrer may have been killed by the regime. We pray it’s not true, but it’s clear that President Biden's failed appeasement of the regime has done nothing but hurt the Cuban people. We must immediately take up and pass my DEMOCRACIA Act and send a clear message to the world that the time for strength in the fight for freedom in Cuba is now.”

The Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act (DEMOCRACIA Act):

• Authorizes the President to impose sanctions—blocking assets and denying entry into the United States—on a foreign person if the President determines that the person knowingly engages in an activity with Cuba’s defense sector, security sector, intelligence sector, or any other sector involved in carrying out human rights abuses or providing support for international terrorism.
• A foreign person or senior official that provides significant financial, material or technological support to, or engages in a significant transaction with Cuba’s defense, security or intelligence sector or any entity or individual affiliated with that sector (including their immediate adult family member)
• Any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 25% or more by one or more designated persons are also subject to sanctions
• Any foreign person that is a military contractor, mercenary or paramilitary force knowingly operating in a military, security, or intelligence capacity for or on behalf of the Cuban regime
• Authorizes the President to impose sanctions with respect to human rights abuse and corruption in Cuba including:
• Members of the Communist Party of Cuba, to include the Office of Religious Affairs and members of the Politburo and the Central Committee
• Members of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers
• Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, to include, the National Revolutionary Police Force
• Members of the committee for the Defense of the Revolution
• The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba
• Office of the President of Cuba
• Any official of the Cuban regime who works with the Ministry of Justice or the Office of the Attorney General and who violates due process rights of an individual in Cuba
• The spouse and children of any of these blocked individuals are also subject to these sanctions
• Authorizes the President to terminate these sanctions only if he certifies to Congress that the Government of Cuba:
• Has released all political prisoners,
• Legalized all political parties,
• Establishes a free press, and
• Free, fair, multiparty internationally observed elections are scheduled in a timely manner
• Authorizes the President to immediately use all means possible to provide unrestricted, reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime
• Requires the President to establish a task force to develop long-term solutions for providing reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime

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