Jayapal Statement on Administration Announcement Lifting State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation for Cuba
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration announcement that they would be lifting the U.S. designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST):
“In the last days of the Trump Administration, Cuba was inappropriately designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. In 2024, I had the opportunity to travel on a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Cuba. I saw firsthand how Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy has exacerbated the worst humanitarian and migratory crisis in decades.
“While there, I met with government officials, small business entrepreneurs, university professors, and families of political prisoners. It was clear to me that misguided and punitive U.S. policies have failed to meet stated policy goals and instead inflicted massive damage on civilians and the island’s economy, health, and stability. I also saw the interest from U.S. states and other American businesses who see Cuba as an important partner in health, agriculture and other sectors.
“We also met with ambassadors of many other US partners in Latin America and Europe who identified the regional and global implications for them and their citizens in continuing this failed U.S. policy.
“Today, the Biden Administration has taken a critical step forward in normalizing relations with Cuba by lifting this SST designation. This will help facilitate trade between our two countries and create new business opportunities in both Cuba and America. It will also help build Cuba’s private sector, ease economic burdens on the Cuban people and help curb mass migration from Cuba.”
Jayapal has publicly been a staunch supporter of policy changes, including lifting the SST designation, to engage with Cuba diplomatically to address human rights concerns.