Key facts
- Four Democratic U.S. Congress members visited Cuba from Thursday to Monday.
- The lawmakers described the U.S. energy embargo as turning Cuba into a 'silent Gaza.'
- The U.S. implemented the energy embargo in January, threatening tariffs on countries selling fuel to Cuba.
- The measures have worsened a five-year crisis in Cuba.
- The visiting representatives met with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, ministers, medical professionals, and business leaders.
- The lawmakers intend to promote amendments in Congress to mitigate the health impact of the embargo.
Four Democratic members of the U.S. Congress visited Cuba and drew a stark comparison between the U.S. energy embargo and the situation in Gaza, calling the island a 'silent Gaza.' Representatives Mark Pocan, Teresa Leger-Fernández, Maxine Dexter, and Delia Catalina Ramírez met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other officials during their visit.
The U.S. implemented the energy embargo in January, which has exacerbated a five-year crisis in Cuba stemming from previous sanctions and domestic policy failures. The lawmakers described palpable consequences on the streets, including blackouts lasting over 20 hours daily, limited public transportation, flight cancellations, and a drop in tourism.
Rep. Pocan stated that the situation prevents people from daily life activities such as going to work, preserving food, or accessing medical supplies. Rep. Leger-Fernández questioned the logic of forcing a country to suffer. Rep. Dexter, a physician, and Rep. Ramírez indicated they would work to promote congressional amendments to mitigate the health impacts and prevent further actions by President Trump without legislative authorization.
While both governments have acknowledged contact between officials, details on talks to lift the embargo remain scarce. Rep. Pocan criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio's approach to the issue. The grandson of Raúl Castro had previously offered to act as an intermediary with President Trump.