[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8423]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    THE CUBAN SOLIDARITY ACT OF 2001

  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I am honored to lend my support as an 
original cosponsor to the Cuban Solidarity Act of 2001. As many of us 
here know, the Cuban Solidarity Act of 2001 goes beyond what the 
original Helms-Burton Act of 1996 sought to accomplish. Not only does 
it send a clear signal to the Castro regime that there are consequences 
to violating political and religious freedoms and human rights, but 
that we are going to work fervently to bring about a change in his 
regime.
  Four years ago, I spoke here on the Senate floor in condemnation of 
the cowardly acts of the Cuban government in the shooting down of two 
civilian aircraft. I also expressed my concerns about the unauthorized 
use of confiscated United States-citizen-owned property. This bill 
contains a number of provisions that seek compensation from the Cuban 
government on both matters.
  In Castro's Cuba, dissidents are routinely subjugated to random 
arrests, exile, imprisonment and beatings for openly opposing the 
government. During the first two months of 2000, over 350 peaceful 
human rights activists were arrested. One of the most notable cases 
included that of Dr. Oscar Biscet of the Lawton Human Rights 
Foundation, who received three years in prison for protests against 
abortion and the death penalty.
  These violations of human rights taking place only ninety miles from 
the United States, are a threat to international peace.
  Furthermore, many observers are concerned that a successor to Castro 
is currently being groomed to maintain authoritarian control over the 
island.
  This bill will authorize the President to pursue a more pro-active 
policy towards changing the regime in Cuba from within. It does so by 
amending trade sanctions, which will give the President enhanced tools 
in supporting pro-democracy and human rights groups. Such new tools 
include authorizing the export of religious, educational and 
journalistic materials to individuals and independent groups, as well 
as office supplies, telephones and fax machines. These individuals and 
groups may include victims of religious persecution, farm cooperatives, 
political prisoners, and worker's rights groups just to name a few. The 
bill will also increase humanitarian aid in the form of food and 
medicine to children and the elderly.
  Another large component of this bill, is the support it gives to 
micro-enterprise efforts in Cuba. By helping self- employed Cubans 
start their own businesses, we will help to plant the seeds of 
independent thinking, democracy and entrepreneurialism which will 
ensure a more peaceful transition to democracy.
  Because Castro will not hold power in Cuba forever, we need to take 
the necessary steps to make sure a transition to democracy is possible 
and likely.
  It is time for a reinvigorated approach towards Cuba, one that 
includes bipartisan support. Therefore I am pleased to support the Cuba 
Solidarity Act of 2001, and I would urge others to do the same.

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