politics
Democratic Lawmakers Visit Cuba, Call U.S. Energy Embargo a 'Silent Gaza' After Maduro Capture
Four Democratic members of Congress arrived in Cuba on July 9 and met with President Miguel Díaz-Canel. They described the U.S. energy embargo as creating conditions akin to a silent Gaza and said they would seek amendments to limit its health effects.
Jul 13, 6:25 PM·1m read2 sources
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Four Democratic members of Congress arrived in Cuba on Thursday, July 9, and described the U.S. energy embargo as turning the island into a “silent Gaza,” washingtontimes.com reported. The lawmakers met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, ministers, medical professionals and business leaders, and toured Havana streets during a visit that ended Monday, July 13.
The delegation consisted of Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Rep. Teresa Leger-Fernández of New Mexico, Rep. Maxine Dexter of Oregon and Rep. Delia Catalina Ramírez of Illinois. It marked the second trip by U.S.
Representatives to Cuba in three months. The group held a news conference in Havana on Sunday, July 12. The United States imposed the energy embargo in January 2026 after the capture of Venezuela’s then-President Nicolás Maduro and threatened tariffs on countries that sell fuel to Cuba.
com reported. Blackouts now last more than 20 hours a day, public transportation is limited, flights have been canceled, tourism has fallen and working hours have been cut. ” He added: “There may not be bombings, but there are certainly conditions that prevent people from going about their daily lives.
Dexter and Ramírez said they will promote amendments in Congress to reduce the health impact of the embargo and to require legislative authorization before further action by President Trump. ” The lawmakers stated there are currently no talks between Washington and Havana aimed at lifting the embargo.
