Demands the extradition or return of U.S. fugitives harbored in Cuba, including Joanne Chesimard and William Guillermo Morales, and restricts funding for programs in Cuba until these conditions are met.
Rick Scott
Senator
FL
The "Frank Connor and Trooper Werner Foerster Justice Act" seeks the extradition or return of U.S. fugitives, including Joanne Chesimard and William Guillermo Morales, who are believed to be living in Cuba to avoid prosecution. It mandates an annual report from the Secretary of State on efforts to extradite these fugitives and determine Cuba's compliance with U.S.-Cuba extradition treaties. Additionally, the Act prohibits the use of International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement funds for programs in Cuba until Cuba meets specific conditions related to extradition and resuming economic activity with the U.S..
Fugitives in Cuba Targeted: New Bill Demands Extradition, Cuts Funding
The "Frank Connor and Trooper Werner Foerster Justice Act" is all about bringing U.S. fugitives hiding out in Cuba back to American soil. Specifically, it calls out Joanne Chesimard, convicted of killing a New Jersey State Trooper in 1973, and William Guillermo Morales, linked to a 1975 bombing. The bill pushes for their extradition, along with any other U.S. fugitives in Cuba.
Cuba's on the Clock
This bill puts pressure on the Secretary of State to make the return of these fugitives a top priority in any talks with Cuba. Starting within 180 days of the law's enactment, the Secretary of State has to deliver an annual report to Congress. This report needs to detail every move made to get these individuals back, and also determine if Cuba is actually living up to its extradition treaty obligations with the U.S (SEC. 4). The bill also wants an estimate of how many U.S. fugitives are currently chilling in Cuba. The reporting only stops when the Secretary of State can confirm, for two years straight, that Cuba is playing ball on extradition.
Real-World Consequences
Imagine you're a family member of a victim, waiting decades for justice. This bill is aiming for that – holding Cuba accountable and potentially bringing closure to long-open cases. For example, the bill specifically mentions the 1973 murder of Trooper Werner Foerster (SEC. 2). For his family, and others like them, this legislation represents a concrete step towards accountability.
But here's the kicker: the bill also cuts off certain funding to Cuba (SEC. 5). Specifically, no money from the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) account can be used for programs in Cuba. This hold on funds stays in place until Cuba complies with the extradition requirements and other conditions related to resuming economic activity between the two countries. Basically, it's a financial squeeze play.
Strings Attached
This bill isn't just about extradition; it ties the issue to broader U.S.-Cuba relations. It references existing laws like the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996, which sets conditions for lifting the U.S. embargo. This means that cooperation on fugitives becomes another piece of the already complex puzzle between the two countries. While the bill might bring some fugitives to justice, it could also complicate efforts to improve relations, impacting everything from trade to travel.