U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC believes support for our friends in the U.S. Congress is essential for the promotion of a free and democratic Cuba. We also believe that a thoughtful analysis of the Cuban situation and of the true nature of Castro's dictatorship is imperative. Our agenda includes the following:
Oppose Legislation That Will Finance the Prolonged Existence of the Castro Regime
The Castro regime would be the major beneficiary of the lifting of trade sanctions and travel restrictions to Cuba. In spite of this, the coalition that favors the easing or removal of economic sanctions against the Castro regime has succeeded in gathering sufficient votes in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the lifting of travel restrictions to Cuba; the elimination of monetary restrictions on remittances sent by Cuban Americans to Cuba; and on providing credit and export guarantees to the Cuban government.
Cuba's tourism and trade sectors are completely state-owned or operated through joint ventures with corporations established by, and under the supervision of, the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). Castro's military and intelligence apparatus has not only become a self-financing institution, but its absolute control over foreign capital in Cuba has allowed it to strengthen its totalitarian infrastructure.
At issue are not the current sales - on a cash and carry basis - of foodstuffs and medicine to Cuba. What the Castro regime really seeks are credits and export insurance. As a result of the Cuban government's dismal credit record, many countries around the world no longer provide credits or export insurance to Castro's regime. Now, the Cuban government wants the American taxpayer to take the place of its lost Soviet subsidies.
The USCD PAC will work with our friends in the U.S. Congress to oppose and reverse any efforts that wouldfavor the Castro regime.
The USCD PAC will work to make sure that U.S. taxpayers do not take the place of Castro's lost Sovietsubsidies. American taxpayers should not subsidize repression in Cuba.
Encourage Our Friends in the U.S. Congress to Urge their Colleagues from Legislative Bodies Around the World, and America's Friends and Allies, to Support the Legitimate Aspirations of Freedom of the Cuban People.
Taking advantage of the political and media coverage of the war in Iraq, the Cuban government implemented one of its biggest campaigns of oppression and persecution against Cuba's democratic opposition. The international community, led by the European Union, has reacted with outright moral and political condemnation. Members of the U.S. Congress, who often have contacts with foreign governments, foreign legislative bodies, and the diplomatic corps in Washington D.C., could urge the U.S. government and other democracies to forge a multilateral effort to support the pro-democracy opposition in Cuba, while simultaneously sending a message to the current regime that its dictatorship is unsustainable and unacceptable.
Defending the Hemisphere Against the Threats Posed by the Castro Regime
For over forty years, the Cuban government has played an important role in the promotion of violence and anti-American actions throughout the Americas. The Cuban government remains on the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism. Throughout the years, senior members of the Cuban government have been indicted by federal grand juries charged with narcotics trafficking. Additionally, Castro's agents have been convicted of spying in the United States. Last year, an important intelligence analyst working at the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency pleaded guilty of spying for Cuba. The United States has raised concerns about Cuba's capacity for the research and production of biochemical weapons, and the possible transfer of dual-use biotechnology among rogue states. The USCD PAC will work in the U.S. Congress to bring these threats to the attention of the American people, and through its oversight of executive agencies, make sure that these matters receive the attention they merit.
Preparing the Next Generation of Cuban Democratic Leaders
The challenges facing the creation of a modern civil society in today's Cuba are enormous. Beginning in March 2003, during the most recent wave of repression by the Cuban regime, more than 75 independent journalists, human rights and democracy activists, and independent trade union members were arrested. In court proceedings deficient of any measure of transparency and impartiality, they were sentenced to prison terms of up to 28 years. USCD PAC will ask U.S. Congressional committees to hold hearings and consider Congressional action to strengthen US government programs designed to promote democracy and human rights in Cuba.
Providing Information and Encouraging Discussion in the U.S. Congress Concerning the True Nature of Castro's Regime
The Cuban government continues to deny its people universally recognized human, political, and economic rights. Castro continues to play an important role in advocating anti-American policies and activities worldwide. The Cuban government is virtually bankrupt and would like U.S. taxpayers to replace its lost Soviet subsidies. Castro and his friends continue to misrepresent the views and achievements of Cuban Americans. USCD PAC will reach out to Cuban American communities throughout the United States, distribute information to the U.S. Congress, and hold policy briefings, seminars, and other events that will help present an accurate portrayal of Cuba and Cubans to the U.S. Congress.