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

Reps. Jayapal and Jackson call for permanent solution after witnessing fuel shortages during official visit

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:34pm

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A photorealistic oil painting depicting a lone Cuban street lamp or power line pole standing in a pool of warm sunlight, the surrounding area shrouded in deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and the toll of the US energy blockade on the island's infrastructure.The US embargo's impact on Cuba's energy infrastructure casts a long shadow over the island's future.Jackson Today

Two U.S. lawmakers, Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois, visited Cuba and met with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, and members of Parliament. They denounced the impact of the U.S. energy blockade on Cuba, describing it as an "economic bombing" that has caused permanent damage and a humanitarian crisis on the island.

Why it matters

The U.S. energy blockade on Cuba has been in place for decades as a remnant of the Cold War, but the lawmakers argue it no longer serves the interests of the American or Cuban people. The fuel shortages have led to widespread blackouts, transportation disruptions, and impacts on hospitals and other critical infrastructure in Cuba.

The details

During their five-day visit, Jayapal and Jackson witnessed the effects of the U.S. energy blockade, including national blackouts, gasoline shortages and rationing, lack of public transport, cuts in working hours, paralyzed hospitals and surgeries, and suspension of flights. They said the blockade is effectively an "economic bombing of the infrastructure of the country" that must stop immediately.

  • 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 and arrested its leader, Nicolas Maduro, halting critical oil shipments from that country to Cuba.

The players

Pramila Jayapal

Democratic U.S. Representative from Washington state who visited Cuba.

Jonathan Jackson

Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois who visited Cuba.

Miguel Díaz-Canel

President of Cuba who met with the U.S. lawmakers.

Bruno Rodríguez

Foreign Minister of Cuba who met with the U.S. lawmakers.

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What they’re saying

“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

“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

“Our government is fighting to keep the Strait of Hormuz open so there is a free flow of oil around the world. We want, for humanitarian reasons, a free flow of oil, fuel, and energy in our own hemisphere.”

— Jonathan Jackson, U.S. Representative

What’s next

Jayapal and Jackson 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 highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, and the need for a permanent solution to address the humanitarian impact of the energy blockade on the Cuban people. Their calls for a negotiated settlement and lifting of sanctions reflect a growing recognition that the decades-old U.S. policy is outdated and counterproductive.