Florida Senator Rick Scott is stepping up his efforts to impose tighter sanctions on the Cuban government, including new limitations on flights to the island. "We should not be traveling to Cuba. If someone wants to go to Cuba, they should go [live] there," Scott stated during an interview with CBS News Miami.
Scott emphasized that money spent by Cuban Americans in Cuba bolsters the regime, financially benefits the Cuban military, and strengthens governmental repression. "When people travel to Cuba, those close to the government, primarily the military, gain from it," he declared. "The funds are used to suppress those who oppose the government," he added. "Travel finances repression in Cuba," he asserted, while acknowledging the potential impact on Cuban Americans who frequently visit family.
Potential Restoration of Travel Restrictions
Historically, Republican administrations have imposed stricter travel restrictions to Cuba. During Donald Trump's presidency in 2019 and 2020, the U.S. banned flights to eight Cuban cities outside of Havana. Scott expressed support for reinstating those measures and even implementing more severe restrictions.
Some Cuban Americans recognize the impact this policy would have on their lives but understand the rationale behind the proposal. "It's true that it will affect us because we have family there," Joelkis Estrada told the media outlet while traveling to Havana with his husband to visit his seriously ill father-in-law. "But at the same time, I understand the U.S. needs to pressure the Cuban government," he added. Orestes Pedraza, whose wife lives in Cuba, noted, "It wouldn’t be the best for many people," expressing concern for their families on the island.
Scott confirmed he is actively working to have these restrictions approved and hopes they will take effect before the end of the year. However, some Cuban Americans fear that new restrictions will only further complicate the lives of their loved ones in Cuba.
Rick Scott's Call for Increased Sanctions on Cuba
Recently, Florida's Republican Senator Rick Scott has repeatedly urged the Trump administration to tighten sanctions against the Cuban regime. In an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón for Martí Noticias, Scott stated, "Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America," emphasizing his advocacy in Washington for democratic change on the island. "It's crucial to reinstate sanctions against the regime and all of Cuba's thugs. We should deny U.S. visas to those who have fought against freedom and democracy and cut off their money flow," he declared.
Scott considers the regime a "threat to U.S. national security" and insisted on keeping Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
Legislation Targeting the Cuban Government
Scott recently introduced the Democracy Act, a bill aiming to impose asset freezes and visa bans on key sectors of the Cuban government, particularly the military. The senator frames this initiative as part of a broader strategy to weaken authoritarian regimes in Latin America. "All problems in Latin America start with the Cuban regime," he asserted. "If we get rid of the Castro regime, it helps us get rid of [Nicolás] Maduro in Venezuela and [Daniel] Ortega in Nicaragua," he added.
Understanding Flight Restrictions to Cuba
What are the reasons behind Rick Scott's push for flight restrictions to Cuba?
Rick Scott argues that travel to Cuba financially supports the Cuban regime and its military, which in turn strengthens governmental repression against its people. He believes restricting flights will pressure the Cuban government.
How have past U.S. administrations handled travel restrictions to Cuba?
Historically, Republican administrations have imposed stricter travel restrictions to Cuba. For instance, under Donald Trump's presidency, the U.S. banned flights to several Cuban cities outside Havana in 2019 and 2020.
How might these travel restrictions affect Cuban Americans?
Some Cuban Americans are concerned that these restrictions will make it more difficult to visit family in Cuba, but some also understand the potential political pressure it could place on the Cuban government.