Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) admitted during a Seattle briefing that she had spoken with foreign ambassadors, including those from Mexico, about securing oil for Cuba despite U.S. sanctions. The remarks came after a congressional delegation trip to Cuba, where Jayapal observed worsening fuel shortages and discussed U.S. policy toward the communist regime. She described the situation as 'a crisis beyond imagination' and defended her outreach as 'literally our right and responsibility.'
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) criticized Jayapal's comments, calling them 'disturbing' and accusing her of aiding a communist adversary in violation of U.S. sanctions. Scott emphasized that President Donald Trump had imposed sanctions to protect American safety and hold the Cuban government accountable. Jayapal countered that the sanctions amounted to 'an economic bombing of the infrastructure of Cuba,' citing recent executive orders that expanded penalties on foreign banks and firms dealing with Cuba.
Jayapal explained that oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba had been halted after U.S. operations targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, leaving Cuba reliant on a single Russian tanker for fuel. She argued that the sanctions were exacerbating humanitarian conditions on the island. Conservative lawmakers and social media users criticized her remarks, with some suggesting they could constitute a federal felony.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), the daughter of a Cuban immigrant, called the trip 'unconscionable' and highlighted the personal stakes of U.S. Cuba policy. Jayapal's delegation met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, government officials, dissidents, and diplomats during their visit.