Rep. Jayapal Slams US Oil Blockade on Cuba as ‘Outrageous’

Jayapal Criticizes U.S. Policy on Cuba After Recent Visit

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal has strongly criticized the long-standing United States embargo on Cuba, calling the current fuel blockade “outrageous” and a form of collective punishment against the Cuban people. Her remarks follow a five-day congressional delegation trip to Cuba, where she met with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and various civil society groups.

Jayapal stated that the U.S. embargo is the longest-running in world history and that its continuation, including the recent fuel blockade, is causing a humanitarian crisis. She believes that most Americans would not support such policies if they fully understood the on-the-ground situation. The delegation aimed to hear from all sides, including political dissidents and entrepreneurs, who see potential for normalized relations between the two countries.

Calls for Negotiation Over Sanctions

During her visit, Jayapal discussed the need for genuine negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba. She emphasized that Cuba desires respect for its sovereignty. While acknowledging the U.S. government’s asks, including the release of political prisoners and multi-party elections, Jayapal argued that these should be part of direct, country-to-country negotiations rather than conditions imposed through economic pressure.

“I think what is really important and what he said to us… is that there need to be real negotiations, and that has been a frustration for Cuba,” Jayapal explained. She added that Americans would not want the current policies to continue if they understood the reality. The congresswoman has previously raised the issue of political prisoners directly with President Díaz-Canel, noting his recent announcement of releasing 2,000 prisoners, some of whom are believed to be political detainees.

U.S. Role in Cuban Leadership and Future

Jayapal rejected the idea that the United States should determine who leads Cuba. “I don’t think it is for the United States to determine who leads another country,” she stated. She believes that Cuba’s democratic future, with dignity and freedom, will come through negotiations and the ability of the Cuban people to thrive, not through blockades or aggressive foreign policy.

She contrasted this approach with what she termed “maximalist foreign policy pressures” and threats of military intervention. Jayapal advocates for diplomacy and negotiation as the path forward, arguing that economic sanctions harm everyday civilians and inflict cruelty.

Concerns Regarding Iran Negotiations and War Costs

Shifting to foreign policy in the Middle East, Jayapal expressed support for negotiations with Iran, recalling that former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from a negotiated nuclear arms deal in 2018. She suggested that a single day of negotiations was unlikely to yield an agreement, given the complexity of the situation.

Jayapal criticized the Trump administration for the current predicament, stating, “Donald Trump got us into this mess. He went into a war with Iran that was unauthorized and illegal.” She highlighted the significant financial cost to American taxpayers, estimating $1 to $2 billion per day spent on the war. This, she argued, diverts funds from crucial domestic issues like childcare and housing, making the war a costly “war of choice” with negative consequences for people in the U.S., Iran, and across the Middle East.

Call for Accountability in Congress

The interview also touched upon allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell. Jayapal firmly stated her belief that Swalwell should drop out of his gubernatorial race. She emphasized that issues of abuse of power and mistreatment of women are not partisan and require accountability across all political lines.

Jayapal, who has been vocal in supporting survivors of abuse, said she is inspired by the courage of women coming forward. She also indicated she would vote to expel both Congressman Swalwell and Congressman Gonzalez, citing Gonzalez’s admission of misconduct with a staffer. “I think that both of them need to step down from Congress, let these investigations happen,” she asserted, stressing the importance of believing women and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Looking Ahead: Democratic Leadership

Regarding the 2028 presidential election, Jayapal called for a broad and contested primary within the Democratic Party. She believes that any individual who feels they can lead the country should run and present their case to the voters. Jayapal looks forward to an exciting primary process that will help identify bold leadership for the party’s future.

Source: Pramila Jayapal calls U.S. oil blockade on Cuba ‘outrageous’: Full interview (YouTube)