The Republican congresswoman from Florida, Maria Elvira Salazar, delivered a forceful public critique against the Mexican government for its continued support of Cuba during a session of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The Cuban-American legislator openly challenged Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for what she termed as consistent backing of the Cuban "tyranny," focusing her criticisms on the supply of oil and the deployment of Cuban doctors working in Mexico.
In a video recorded in Washington and shared on her Facebook page, Salazar explained that she had the opportunity to confront the Mexican leader about two particularly concerning issues.
Firstly, she pointed out the oil shipments to Cuba. According to her, over a span of four months, Mexico allegedly sent approximately $3 billion worth of crude oil to the island, with 55 tankers reportedly delivering the oil to Cuba. "But why? This merely aids the tyranny," she questioned.
The second issue highlighted by Salazar was the agreement under which more than 3,000 Cuban doctors provide services in Mexico. She accused this program of paying over $100 million to the Cuban government while the healthcare professionals receive only a small fraction of their salaries.
"Everyone knows that Cuban doctors are essentially exported as slaves to be exploited, with the Mexican government effectively handing this money to the Castro regime," she asserted.
Salazar described this arrangement as a form of "modern-day slavery" and human trafficking, noting that roughly 95% of the doctors' wages are withheld by the Cuban state, leaving only 5% for the workers. She argued that this practice violates the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which prohibits human trafficking and any form of labor exploitation among the signing nations.
"That's why I'm asking President Sheinbaum to ensure that if she wants Cuban doctors, she should pay them directly, allowing them to receive the fruits of their labor, not hand it over to the Castro regime," she emphasized.
Salazar also warned that the trade agreement is due for review next year, and the U.S. Congress will be vigilant in ensuring Mexico adheres to these standards.
"Why does Mexico continue to support the Cuban dictatorship?" Salazar questioned.
Speaking before the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Cuban-American politician stated that while Mexico chooses to align with dictatorships, the country grapples with a crisis of drugs, violence, and corruption.
"President Sheinbaum faces a choice: to stand for freedom and democracy or to support dictators. The Western Hemisphere needs leaders, not bystanders," she declared.
Salazar Highlights Violations of the USMCA in Cuban Doctor Program
What is Maria Elvira Salazar's main criticism of Mexico's support for Cuba?
Salazar criticizes Mexico's support for Cuba as aiding the Cuban "tyranny" by supplying oil and facilitating the exportation of Cuban doctors under exploitative conditions.
How does the Cuban doctor program violate the USMCA according to Salazar?
Salazar claims the program violates the USMCA as it involves human trafficking and labor exploitation, with most of the doctors' salaries being retained by the Cuban government.
What does Salazar propose regarding the payment of Cuban doctors?
She suggests that Mexican authorities should pay the Cuban doctors directly so they can receive fair compensation for their work, rather than handing over the funds to the Cuban regime.