Dear John,

We have always insisted that Biden has the power to remove Cuba from the list of designated terrorist countries with the single stroke of his pen. But conservative Cuban-Americans are now attempting to create a roadblock that would make it impossible for any president to eliminate this status through a simple signature.

Please reach out to your member of Congress and strongly urge them to vote NO on H.R. 314 (FORCE Act) and the Senate version, S.538.

In 2021, the Trump administration identified Cuba as a state sponsor of terror because Cuba refused to extradite individuals of Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN). But the Cuban government was merely adhering to the Peace Accords by granting sanctuary to the leaders of the ELN. President Petro of Colombia ultimately rescinded the extradition request as part of his 'total peace' campaign, yet Biden continues to keep Cuba on the list. 

Another justification used by the Trump administration was that Cuba supposedly provides a safe haven for those escaping the U.S. justice system. But none of the U.S. citizens living in Cuba for the past three decades have been proven guilty of international terrorist offenses (unlike the case of Posada Carriles and other Cuban-Americans who were involved in bombing hotels in Havana). 

We need your help to stop this bill from becoming law. Write to your members of Congress to vote NO on the FORCE Act! 

Codifying into law Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism would be a tremendous injustice towards the Cuban people, and could lead to more sanctions and even military action against Cuba. 

For all too long, the people of Cuba have suffered under the shadow of this outdated and oppressive policy. Families have been torn apart, jobs lost, and futures shattered. A continued SSOT designation of Cuba would further financial transactions, further stifling the growth of the Cuban private sector. It would also harm U.S. businesses, and U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. Moreover, it is a clear disincentive to potential U.S. and international investors that will dampen Cuba's economic recovery prospects. 

The U.S. should be working towards being a good neighbor and building a respectful and cooperative relationship with Cuba. Contact your Representatives directly and urge them to reject the bill that would codify Cuba as a state sponsor of terror! 

In radical solidarity,
Medea, Michelle, Samantha, Teri, and Ysa

P.S.: If you haven’t, please sign our petition to Biden asking him to use his pen while he still can and take Cuba off the list now!

P.P.S.: Missed the Americas Policy Forum in April to bury the Monroe Doctrine? No worries! Check out our recap