The Cuban Democracy Act was a bill presented by U.S. Congressman Robert Torricelli and passed in 1992 during Cuba's Special Period of economic depression which prohibited foreign-based subsidiaries of U.S. companies from trading with Cuba, travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens, and family remittances to Cuba. The act was passed as “A bill to promote a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba through the application of sanctions directed at the Castro government and support for the Cuban people.” The act stated that “he government of Fidel Castro has demonstrated consistent disregard for internationally accepted standards of human rights and for democratic values” adding “here is no sign that the Castro regime is prepared to make any significant concessions to democracy or to undertake any form of democratic opening.” Congressman Torricelli stated that the act was intended to "wreak havoc on that island."
Key Points of the Act
Findings The Cuban regime under Fidel Castro violates the standard and internationally accepted freedom of speech, assembly, and press. The military dominated country provides financial aid to narcotic traffickers at the expense of its own people. The fall of the Soviet Union has led to food and oil shortages showing the Communist system as a failure. Castro shows no signs of reforming the political system in a democratic direction as any political opposition is silenced through exile and imprisonment. U.S. Policy Towards Cuba The U.S. desires to see a transition towards democracy following the passing of Fidel Castro so that economic growth can occur in a manner that is helpful for the Cuban people. To make sure that no military or technical aid comes from countries from the former Soviet Union To be prepared to reduce sanctions in Cuba in order to help create positive change that would help the country's citizens Regarding International Trade with Cuba All countries trading with Cuba should discontinue doing so as well as cancel any economic activity with the country Any country trading with Cuba risks not being eligible for aid from the U.S. Supporting the Cuban People The donation of food will not be restricted to individuals or organizations not associated with the government Medical supplies and medicine will also be freely traded as long as the intention of the supplies is to help the Cuban people Sanctions Imposed Any vessel which has traded goods or services with Cuba cannot within 180 days dock at a U.S. port Currency traded from the U.S. to Cuba will be limited in order to prevent the Cuban government from obtaining access to U.S. currency Conditions for Restriction Cancellation Once a democratic election is held under the watchful eye of the international community sanctions may be canceled Opposition parties must be given a chance to organize and prepare for elections prior to the voting Cuba must make the effort to move towards a free market economy U.S. support following changes The U.S. promises to allow international financial companies admittance into the country Financial aid will be provided as the country changes to a more accepted economic system
