April 7, 2026
Washington, D.C. — The Alliance for Cuba Engagement and Respect (ACERE) applauds Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) for their five-day congressional delegation to Cuba and for bearing witness to the devastating human consequences of the Trump administration’s fuel blockade
What the delegation witnessed — premature babies in incubators at risk, food production reduced to just 10% of the population’s needs, perpetual blackouts and hospitals unable to perform surgeries — is the direct result of a policy of collective punishment with no justification in law, strategy, or conscience. During their visit, the Cuban government released over 2,000 prisoners, a signal that this moment carries real diplomatic potential.
“The moment is here for us to have a real negotiation between our two countries,” said Rep. Jayapal upon returning, “and to reverse failed U.S. policy of decades, a Cold War-era remnant that no longer serves the American people or the Cuban people.”
ACERE calls on Congress to build on this momentum. In particular, legislative measures like H.R. 8103, H.R. 7521, S. 136, S.J. 124, and H.J. 153 that have been introduced to prevent military escalation and reverse the oil blockade should be supported and passed. The Cuban people cannot wait.
For more information, contact: allianceforcuba@acere.org or visit acere.org.
