U.S. Senators Reintroduce "DEMOCRACIA Act" to Intensify Sanctions on Cuban Regime

Republican Senators Rick Scott and Tommy Tuberville have announced the reintroduction of the Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act, known as the DEMOCRACIA Act. This legislation aims to increase pressure on the Cuban regime by implementing strict financial sanctions and restricting economic activities linked to the island's security and intelligence agencies.

In a statement, Senator Scott, the primary proponent of this legislation, asserted, "Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America and a constant threat to U.S. national security. With this law, we continue efforts to close existing sanction loopholes and deny resources to Díaz-Canel's dictatorship."

Key Objectives of the DEMOCRACIA Act

The proposed legislation empowers the U.S. President to impose economic sanctions and travel restrictions on any foreign individual or entity that collaborates with the Cuban regime's defense, intelligence, or security sectors. Those potentially impacted by these sanctions include:

• Members of the Communist Party of Cuba, including the Political Bureau and Central Committee.
• Ministry of the Interior and the Revolutionary National Police.
• Members of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution.
• Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Office of the President of Cuba.
• Judicial officials violating due process rights.

Furthermore, the act authorizes the president to ensure Cubans have access to uncensored internet services, utilizing all available technological means to counteract the regime's surveillance and censorship.

A Renewed Approach to U.S. Policy on Cuba

Senator Tuberville remarked, "The United States cannot stand idly by while the Cuban communist regime commits atrocious human rights abuses and holds hundreds of political prisoners. If Cuba insists on maintaining its repressive policies, it must face severe consequences."

The legislation also proposes sanctions against any foreign entity that finances, supports, or establishes business deals with the Cuban regime's security and intelligence apparatus. If passed, the DEMOCRACIA Act would impose restrictions on economic transactions that directly benefit Cuba's ruling elite.

Conditions for Lifting Sanctions

For sanctions to be lifted, the Cuban government must demonstrate significant progress in human rights and democracy. Conditions include:

• Immediate release of all political prisoners.
• Legalization of independent political parties.
• Guarantees of press and expression freedom.
• Free and multiparty elections with international oversight.

Background and Reactions

Initially introduced in October 2021, the DEMOCRACIA Act has garnered support from a group of Republican legislators, including Senators Marco Rubio, Roger Marshall, Tommy Tuberville, and Mike Braun, as well as Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and María Elvira Salazar.

Amid escalating repression in Cuba and allegations of regime-linked espionage, the reintroduction of this bill reinforces the U.S. stance against Miguel Díaz-Canel's government, aiming to cut off resources sustaining its control and surveillance mechanisms.

In January 2025, Senator Rick Scott urged President Trump to implement stricter measures against the Cuban regime, emphasizing that the U.S. should uphold a policy of maximum pressure. In an interview with Martí Noticias, Scott reiterated that "Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America," and he continues to advocate for democratic change on the island.

"It's crucial to reimpose sanctions on the regime and all of Cuba's enforcers, deny U.S. visas to those who have fought against freedom and democracy, and cut off their money supply," the legislator declared. He also stressed that "the regime is a threat to U.S. national security" and insisted on keeping Cuba on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

"I spoke with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz about the importance of keeping Cuba on the list," he added.