Re: Please Co-Sponsor S. 136 and Move Toward a Responsible, Diplomatic Cuba Policy (fwd)

[robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

I think he strikes the right balance.

 > From: "Senator Alex Padilla" <http://www.padilla.senate.gov/~Senator_Padilla>
 > Date: 13 Apr 2026 16:12:49 -0400
 > 
 >  Dear Mrs.,
 > 
 >  Thank you for writing to share your concerns about human rights in Cuba. I 
 >  appreciate hearing from you.
 > 
 >  On July 11, 2021, thousands of Cubans took to the streets to peacefully 
 >  demonstrate against deteriorating living conditions in Cuba. Unfortunately, 
 >  the communist government of Cuba forcibly detained more than 100 protestors 
 >  and suppressed demonstrations. Following this, I joined my colleagues in 
 >  the Senate to pass Senate Resolution 310, which expresses solidarity with 
 >  the Cuban people and calls for the immediate release of arbitrarily 
 >  detained Cubans.
 > 
 >  Since then, conditions in Cuba have continued to deteriorate. Actions by 
 >  the Trump Administration, including a U.S. oil blockade, combined with 
 >  longstanding economic mismanagement by the Cuban government, have triggered 
 >  the island's worst energy crisis in modern history. Citizens are 
 >  enduring repeated nationwide blackouts, severe shortages of food, medicine, 
 >  and fuel, and disruptions to essential services such as electricity, water, 
 >  and healthcare. These hardships have sparked public protests and 
 >  intensified the suffering of Cubans.
 > 
 >  While I stand with the Cuban people in their fight for democracy and 
 >  fundamental freedoms, I am also deeply concerned by President Trump's 
 >  rhetoric regarding the potential use of force against the Cuban government, 
 >  including threats of military action that have not been authorized by 
 >  Congress. I am committed to ensuring that any use of force is transparent, 
 >  strategic, and authorized by Congress, and I remain committed to holding 
 >  both the Cuban regime and this Administration accountable. Please know I 
 >  will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure the U.S. 
 >  re-engages responsibly in Cuba, heeds the voices of the Cuban people, and 
 >  develops avenues to protect their universal rights.
 > 
 >  +++
 > 
 >  Once again, thank you for writing.