US Lawmakers Denounce Cuba's 'Economic Bombing' Under Energy Blockade

Representatives call for permanent solution to Cuba's crises during official visit

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A cinematic painting of a Cuban government building or political office space, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of solitude and nostalgia, conceptually representing the ongoing tensions and humanitarian impact of the U.S. embargo on the island nation.The U.S. energy blockade on Cuba has had severe humanitarian consequences, exposing the need for a diplomatic resolution to the long-standing conflict between the two nations.Cuba Today

Two U.S. Democratic lawmakers, Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois, visited Cuba and met with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, denouncing the impact of the U.S. energy blockade on the island. They called for a permanent solution to Cuba's crises and urged the U.S. to reverse its failed Cold War-era policy toward the country.

Why it matters

The U.S. energy blockade on Cuba has had severe humanitarian consequences, causing widespread blackouts, fuel shortages, and disruptions to hospitals, transportation, and other critical infrastructure. The lawmakers' visit and calls for a permanent solution highlight the need to find a diplomatic resolution to the longstanding tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.

The details

During their five-day visit, Jayapal and Jackson met with Cuban officials, including President Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez. They witnessed the effects of the U.S. energy blockade, which has led to national blackouts, gasoline shortages, and the suspension of flights and medical procedures in Cuba. The lawmakers called the blockade 'cruel collective punishment' and an 'economic bombing' of the country's infrastructure.

  • In late January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country that would sell or provide oil to Cuba.
  • In early January, the U.S. attacked Venezuela, halting critical oil shipments to Cuba.

The players

Pramila Jayapal

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Washington state who visited Cuba and met with Cuban officials.

Jonathan Jackson

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois who visited Cuba and met with Cuban officials.

Miguel Díaz-Canel

The President of Cuba, who met with the U.S. lawmakers and denounced the impact of the U.S. energy blockade on the island.

Bruno Rodríguez

The Foreign Minister of Cuba, who met with the U.S. lawmakers during their visit.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who threatened to impose tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba.

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What they’re saying

“This is cruel collective punishment — effectively an economic bombing of the infrastructure of the country — that has produced permanent damage. It must stop immediately.”

— Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson, U.S. Representatives

“I denounced the criminal damage caused by the #blockade, particularly the consequences of the energy embargo imposed by the current US administration and its threats of even more aggressive actions.”

— Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba

“I reiterated our government's willingness to engage in serious and responsible bilateral dialogue and find solutions to our existing differences.”

— Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba

What’s next

The lawmakers said they would prepare a report and continue to work on initiatives proposed by fellow members of the U.S. House of Representatives to lift sanctions against Cuba to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The takeaway

The visit by the U.S. lawmakers and their calls for a permanent solution to Cuba's crises highlight the need for the U.S. and Cuba to find a diplomatic resolution to their longstanding differences. The severe humanitarian impact of the U.S. energy blockade on the Cuban people underscores the urgency of this issue.