Two U.S. lawmakers have sharply criticized the United States’ energy blockade on Cuba, describing it as “economic bombing” after witnessing firsthand the severe humanitarian impact during an official visit to the island.
Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois made the remarks following a five-day trip to Cuba, where they met with Miguel Díaz-Canel, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, and members of parliament.
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The lawmakers said the U.S. policy, particularly restrictions on fuel imports, has caused widespread disruption across Cuba’s economy and essential services. “This is cruel collective punishment, effectively an economic bombing of the infrastructure of the country, that has produced permanent damage,” they said in a joint statement.
During the visit, Díaz-Canel condemned what he described as the “criminal damage” caused by the blockade, particularly the energy embargo imposed by the current U.S. administration. He reiterated Cuba’s willingness to engage in “serious and responsible” dialogue with Washington to resolve longstanding tensions.
Severe Impact on Daily Life
The energy restrictions have deepened Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, contributing to nationwide blackouts, fuel shortages, transportation disruptions, and strain on healthcare services.
Lawmakers reported that critical sectors, including hospitals and schools, have been directly affected, with shortages of fuel limiting access to electricity, medical care, and basic services.
The situation has been worsened by the halt of oil shipments from Venezuela following U.S. actions earlier this year, leaving Cuba, which produces only about 40% of its own fuel needs, struggling to meet demand.
Although a recent shipment of Russian oil provided temporary relief, experts say it is only enough to meet the country’s fuel needs for about nine to ten days, underscoring the fragility of the island’s energy supply.
Calls for Policy Shift
Jayapal pointed to recent actions by the Cuban government, including the planned release of more than 2,000 prisoners and expanded economic openings. as signs that the moment is right for renewed diplomatic engagement.
“We need a longer, permanent solution for the Cuban people and the American people,” she said, calling for a reversal of what she described as a decades-old policy rooted in Cold War dynamics.
Jackson echoed similar concerns, drawing comparisons between the U.S. push to keep oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz and the restrictions placed on Cuba. “For humanitarian reasons, we want a free flow of oil, fuel, and energy in our own hemisphere,” he said.
Path Forward
Both lawmakers indicated they will prepare a report and continue working with colleagues in Congress to advance proposals aimed at easing or lifting sanctions on Cuba.
The visit comes amid ongoing, though undisclosed, high-level discussions between the United States and Cuba. While no formal policy changes have been announced, analysts say the combination of diplomatic signals and humanitarian concerns could create momentum for renewed negotiations.
For now, however, the situation on the island remains precarious, with Cuba’s energy crisis continuing to impact daily life and intensify calls, both domestically and internationally, for a reassessment of U.S. policy.
