Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of State, vehemently denied any connection between the incoming U.S. administration and the recent decision to lift sanctions on companies linked to the Cuban regime. During his Senate hearing on Wednesday, which was broadcast on C-SPAN, Rubio sharply criticized the move, emphasizing the dire political and economic situation faced by the island nation.
According to Rubio, the regime in Cuba has centralized economic resources through GAESA, a military conglomerate controlling all revenue-generating activities in the country. "If something generates income in Cuba, they own it and use it to maintain their grip on power," the senator stated, referencing a recent investigation by the Miami Herald into the entity.
The senator reminded that in 2017, under Trump's administration, GAESA was sanctioned to curb its economic capabilities. However, he expressed regret that the Biden administration had lifted restrictions two years ago and recently removed all sanctions. "Yesterday, the Biden administration announced the removal of all sanctions on GAESA," Rubio declared, arguing that this move financially benefits the regime while Cubans endure power outages lasting up to 21 hours and a collapsing economy.
Rubio painted a bleak picture of Cuba's current state, describing it as unsustainable: “The country is literally collapsing, both generationally and economically. Young people are fleeing, and the system is failing because Marxism doesn’t work; they are corrupt and incompetent.” According to the senator, the regime must choose between allowing Cubans to control their political and economic future or clinging to power as the nation crumbles.
He concluded by asserting that Cubans deserve the same political and economic rights enjoyed by citizens of other countries in the region. "Cubans deserve the chance to elect their leaders and participate in political processes, something they haven't been able to do for nearly 70 years," the Republican emphasized.
Additionally, on Wednesday during his Senate hearing, Rubio labeled the regime of Nicolás Maduro as a narcotrafficking organization that has taken control of Venezuela. He also voiced concerns about Iran's growing influence in the South American country.
Moreover, Rubio highlighted the threats posed by narcoterrorism and dictatorial regimes in the Western Hemisphere during his remarks.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What is GAESA and why is it significant?
GAESA is a military conglomerate in Cuba that controls most of the revenue-generating activities in the country. It is significant because it helps the Cuban regime maintain power by monopolizing the country's economic resources.
What impact do U.S. sanctions have on Cuba?
U.S. sanctions aim to limit the economic capabilities of Cuban entities like GAESA, reducing their ability to support the regime. This can impact the Cuban economy and potentially pressure the government to change its policies.
How has the Biden administration's policy differed from Trump's regarding Cuba?
The Biden administration has lifted some of the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, including those on GAESA. This policy shift is seen as allowing the Cuban regime to benefit economically, contrasting with Trump's stricter sanctions approach.