Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) are calling on the Trump administration to roll back its escalating economic pressure on Cuba after a recent visit to the island, denouncing its policy as both “cruel” and counterproductive.
Jayapal, a leading voice in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, and Jackson visited Cuba for five days last week, marking the first congressional delegation to visit the country since President Donald Trump intensified restrictions on fuel shipments earlier this year.
Following their return Sunday, the lawmakers sharply criticized the U.S.-imposed energy blockade that has deepened the island’s economic crisis.
“The United States prevented a single drop of oil from entering Cuba for over three months,” the pair said in a joint statement. “This is cruel collective punishment—effectively an economic bombing of the infrastructure of the country—that has produced permanent damage.”
The Trump administration has defended its approach as part of a broader effort to crumble Cuba’s communist regime. The president has allowed Russian tankers to ignore the blockade, and two have been sent.
But the lawmakers said the policy is worsening humanitarian conditions, pointing to widespread fuel shortages, blackouts, and strain on essential services.
Although Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed diplomatic discussions between Washington and Havana last month, both sides acknowledge they remain far from a comprehensive agreement. Trump has repeatedly said “Cuba is next” in reference to countries where there are efforts toward regime change.
The lawmakers urged renewed efforts into negotiation between the countries. “The United States and Cuba must immediately enter into real negotiations that provide for the dignity and freedom of the Cuban people and the tremendous benefits to the American people that will accrue from a real collaboration between our two countries,” they said.
During their visit, Jayapal and Jackson met with Diaz-Canel and other government officials. They pointed to what they described as signs of progress, including the recent release of more than 2,000 prisoners and steps toward economic liberalization, such as expanding private business activity and allowing some foreign investment.
“While we were there, we saw opportunities for engagement and reform,” the lawmakers said, arguing that “the remaining obstacles to progress in Cuba now rest with the United States changing our outdated, Cold War-era policy.”
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Diaz-Canel, in a social media statement following the meeting, thanked the lawmakers for their visit while condemning U.S. policy.
“I denounced the criminal damage caused by the blockade, particularly the consequences of the energy siege,” he said, adding that Cuba remains willing to pursue “serious and responsible bilateral dialogue.”
