Press Releases

WORCESTER, MASS. —Today, Congressman James P. McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, released the following statement in response to widespread protests in Cuba:

“The Cuban government must respect the right of the Cuban people to peacefully and legitimately protest. Yet even though the U.S. has repeatedly stated that we stand with the Cuban people, we have not taken basic steps that could help empower them and relieve their suffering. To the extent we disagree with the Cuban government on economic issues and human rights, diplomacy and communication are the solution—not sanctions that disproportionately harm ordinary Cuban families.

“It’s deeply disappointing that President Biden has failed to reverse Donald Trump’s executive orders, which support an outdated Cold War strategy and an embargo that only adds to the suffering of ordinary Cubans. By perpetuating Trump’s policies, the Biden Administration is failing to offer the Cuban people the type of hope that President Obama spoke about when he traveled to Havana. Hope that is rooted in a future that Cubans can choose for themselves as they build their own country. President Biden should use this moment to restore U.S. leadership in the region and immediately reverse Donald Trump’s counterproductive and misguided policies.”