Democrats and Republicans criticize the detente in Cuba of the Biden administration

The Biden administration he faces pushback from both sides of the political aisle to move to cross Cuba off the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The USA slapped Cuba with the designation in 2021 shortly before then-President Donald Trump left office.

In a statement issued Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that the administration is “taking several steps to support the Cuban people as part of an agreement with the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Francis and improve the livelihoods of Cubans.” .”

“First, today we notified Congress that President Biden has determined that Cuba should no longer be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism,” he continued.

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“Second, we notified Congress that the President issued a six-month waiver of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, also known as the Freedom Act. Finally, President Biden rescinded the National Security Memorandum 5 of 2017. policy to remove the so-called ‘restricted list’ and, by extension, additional regulations on the engagement of US persons and entities than is currently prescribed in American law,” he noted. “The Catholic Church has also informed us that the Cuban government will soon begin to release a substantial number of political prisoners.”

Democrats are divided on the issue.

The chairman of the Florida Democratic Party urged the administration to “reverse course immediately.”

“I am disappointed by the Biden administration’s plan to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism,” Nikki Fried said in a statement shared on the Florida Democratic Party’s Channel X. “We condemn in the strongest terms the removal of Cuba from this list, as well as any possible lifting of economic sanctions, and call on the Biden Administration to reverse course immediately.”

Rep. Ritchie Torres, DN.Y., also disagreed with the administration’s decision.

“Do a majority of Cuban Americans support the removal of Cuba, an adversary of the US, from the list of state sponsors of terrorism? If the answer is ‘no,’ then why is the Biden Administration needlessly alienating Cuban Americans?” I agree with the Florida Democratic Party here,” the congressman posted.

Rep. Cathy Castor, D-Florida, said in a statement: “Autocratic Cuba has failed its people, and I disagree with the president that sanctions should be lifted without ending the regime’s repression Cuban”.

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Some Florida Republicans have issued fierce criticism.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Florida, denounced Biden’s decision as “pathetic and cowardly.”

Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Florida, stated in a post: “Once again, the Democrats have BETRAYED the Cubans! Shame on the entire Biden Administration for removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Cuba is a LEADING sponsor of Terrorism, harboring, training and enabling Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist enemies of the US.”

Governor of Florida. Ron DeSantis he also criticized the administration.

“The Biden Administration continues in its quest to leave as much debris as possible out the door. Cuba should not be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism,” he said in a post on X .

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However, some Democrats have applauded the administration.

“I welcome the steps taken by the Biden administration to remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list, a long-overdue action that will help normalize relations with our neighbor,” the lawmaker said. Ilhan OmarD-Minn., said in a statement.