DEMOCRACIA Act: New Bill Tightens Screws on Cuban Government, Aims for Free Internet Access

The DEMOCRACIA Act is a sweeping piece of legislation that aims to ramp up pressure on the Cuban government. It does this primarily through targeted sanctions and a push for unrestricted internet access for Cuban citizens.

Cracking Down: Sanctions and Targets

The bill expands the existing sanctions regime significantly. It targets individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses, corruption, or those providing support to Cuba's defense, security, and intelligence sectors (SEC. 4 & 5). This includes not just government officials, but also companies and individuals affiliated with these sectors, even those with as little as 25% ownership. Think of a Cuban-American business owner in Miami who regularly deals with a Cuban state-owned company – their transactions could now be under serious scrutiny. Members of the Communist Party of Cuba, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and even the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution are specifically named as targets for sanctions (SEC. 5).

Sanctions involve blocking property and interests within U.S. jurisdiction and revoking or denying visas (SEC. 4 & 5). For example, a Cuban official involved in suppressing protests could have their U.S.-based assets frozen and be barred from entering the country. Even their spouse and children could face similar restrictions (SEC. 5).

The Internet Push

Beyond sanctions, the DEMOCRACIA Act mandates the President to provide "unrestricted and reliable internet service" to the Cuban people (SEC. 7). This internet access must be free from Cuban government censorship and cannot involve technology from China. This provision aims to bypass the Cuban government's control over information flow, which was notably tightened during the 2021 protests (SEC. 2). The bill requires the creation of an interagency task force to figure out the how of this ambitious goal, with a report due in 180 days (SEC. 7).

Path to Lifting Sanctions: A Long Road

The bill lays out a very specific, and very demanding, roadmap for the termination of these sanctions (SEC. 6). It's not just about holding elections; it requires a complete overhaul of the Cuban political and judicial system. This includes legalizing all political activity, releasing all political prisoners, dismantling the Department of State Security, establishing an independent judiciary, and even guaranteeing the right to private property (SEC. 6). Raul Castro and his immediate family are explicitly barred from holding government positions (SEC. 6). Only after all these conditions are met, and Congress approves, can the sanctions be lifted.

Real-World Checks and Balances

While the bill has strong aims, there are a few built-in safeguards. There are exceptions for sales of food, medicine, and medical devices, as well as remittances to family members (SEC. 4 & 5). The President can also waive sanctions for 180 days if it's deemed vital to U.S. national security (SEC. 4 & 5). However, the bar for lifting sanctions entirely is incredibly high, making it likely they'll remain in place for the foreseeable future, unless there is radical change within Cuba. The requirement for a free and fair election, supervised by international observers, within 18 months of these conditions being met, adds another layer of complexity and time (SEC. 6).