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Congressman Carlos Giménez Advocates for Halting Travel and Remittances to Cuba

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 by Ethan Navarro

Florida Republican Congressman Carlos Giménez has once again put forth his call to cease all flights and remittances from the United States to Cuba. This move, he argues, is part of a broader strategy to economically strangle the Cuban regime, which he describes as a "murderous dictatorship" and a threat to U.S. national security.

In a recent interview with Telemundo 51, Giménez emphasized the importance of cutting off the regime's income sources to weaken its oppressive capabilities. "The dollars flowing from the U.S. to Cuba don't aid the people; rather, they sustain their oppressors," the Congressman stated. He has formally requested the Department of the Treasury to immediately suspend all commercial and charter flights to the island, as well as remittances, except in strictly humanitarian cases.

While acknowledging the controversial nature of this decision, Giménez insists it's essential to "deprive the Cuban regime of financial oxygen" that supports its hold on power and ongoing repression within the island. His proposal, however, has sparked significant debate within the Cuban-American community, particularly in South Florida, where many argue that similar strategies have been tried in the past without leading to tangible changes in Cuba, as highlighted by Telemundo 51.

Critics suggest that the measure might exacerbate the suffering of the Cuban people, who rely heavily on remittances for survival, and could negatively impact local businesses and airlines involved in travel services to the island. Despite these objections, Giménez remains steadfast, asserting that his proposal does not conflict with other initiatives he supports, such as expanding internet access in Cuba, as part of a broader pressure strategy that also targets Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Additionally, Giménez has advocated for the deportation of former Cuban regime officials residing in the United States and the imposition of sanctions on countries benefiting from Cuban medical missions, which he considers forms of state exploitation. "Now is the time to act with greater resolve," he declared. "The freedom of oppressed peoples is not achieved through timidity but through concrete actions that directly impact those in power," he stressed.

Last Wednesday, in an exclusive interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón, the Republican legislator confirmed sending a letter to the Trump Administration requesting the complete halt of air operations with Cuba as long as the communist regime remains in power. "Yes, I've sent a letter to the Trump Administration asking to stop all flights from the U.S. to Cuba and vice versa. Also, to halt all remittances sent from the U.S. to Cuba," Giménez affirmed. "They steal a portion of that money, which never reaches the Cuban people's pockets. This has to stop because, look, that regime is already on the edge. We can't give it more oxygen," he remarked.

Recently, the congressman issued a stern warning to those who continue traveling or sending remittances to Cuba, a country designated as a state sponsor of international terrorism. Through a message on the social media platform X, Giménez declared, "Those traveling and sending remittances to the murderous regime in Cuba do so at their own risk. Don't complain later. You've been warned."

Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Policy on Cuba

What actions has Congressman Carlos Giménez proposed against the Cuban regime?

Congressman Carlos Giménez has proposed suspending all flights and remittances from the United States to Cuba, advocating for measures that cut off economic resources to the Cuban government. He also supports expanding internet access in Cuba and has called for sanctions against countries benefiting from Cuban medical missions.

Why does Giménez believe cutting remittances is necessary?

Giménez argues that the money sent through remittances sustains the Cuban regime rather than helping the people, as a portion of that money is allegedly appropriated by the government. He believes stopping these financial flows would weaken the regime's capacity to maintain its power.

How has the Cuban-American community reacted to Giménez's proposal?

The proposal has sparked considerable debate within the Cuban-American community, particularly in South Florida. Many argue that similar measures have been ineffective in the past and express concerns about the negative impact on the Cuban population and businesses involved in travel services to Cuba.

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