Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends Act or the FORCE Act This bill prohibits removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism until the President makes the determination that a transition government in Cuba is in power.
Impact
If enacted, HB314 would ensure that the U.S. government's approach towards Cuba remains consistent with national security objectives tied to terrorism. The bill reinforces existing legal frameworks that define what constitutes support for terrorism and aims to hold the Cuban government accountable for its historical actions. By explicitly prohibiting the removal of Cuba from the terrorism list, it would limit the executive branch's ability to unilaterally alter this designation without meeting predefined conditions, thereby creating an additional layer of legislative oversight.
Summary
House Bill 314, known as the 'Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends Act' or the 'FORCE Act', seeks to maintain Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The bill stipulates that this designation cannot be lifted until the President determines that a legitimate transition government is in place in Cuba. This legislation reflects a continuation of stringent U.S. foreign policy towards the island nation, particularly under the Castro regime, which has faced numerous accusations of human rights violations and support for international terrorism.
Conclusion
Overall, HB314 encapsulates a critical discussion on foreign policy and human rights, focusing on the balance between national security and diplomatic engagement. As U.S.-Cuba relations remain fraught with complex historical grievances, this bill stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle over how best to encourage change while addressing security concerns.
Contention
Notable contention around HB314 includes debates on its implications for U.S.-Cuba relations, particularly concerning human rights and economic development. Supporters argue that keeping Cuba on the terrorist list is essential for maintaining pressure on the regime for democratic reforms, while opponents contend that such laws hinder potential diplomatic progress and may exacerbate the humanitarian plight of everyday Cubans. Critics also highlight that rigid policies may fail to recognize positive changes occurring within the island state.
Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends or the FORCE ActThis bill prohibits removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism until the President makes the determination that a transition government in Cuba is in power.
Condemning the ongoing acts of repression and human rights violations against the Cuban people by the Cuban regime, and calling for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained Cuban citizens.
Protecting our Land Act This bill requires the President to direct federal agencies to promulgate rules and regulations to prohibit foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing real estate located in the United States.
This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from using funds to transfer or release within the United States (including its territories or possessions) any detainee (1) who is not a U.S. citizen or member of the U.S. Armed Forces; and (2) who is or was held by DOD at U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 20, 2009.
Less Imprecision in Species Treatment Act of 2023 or the LIST Act of 2023 This bill revises the process for removing a species from the endangered or threatened species lists. A species must be removed from the endangered or threatened species lists if the Department of the Interior produces or receives substantial scientific or commercial information demonstrating that the species is recovered or that recovery goals set for the species have been met. The publication and notice of a proposed regulation to remove a species from the lists must consist solely of a notice of the removal. The bill establishes a process for removing species from the lists if they were erroneously or wrongfully listed. The bill prohibits a person from submitting a petition to list a species as a threatened or endangered species for 10 years if the person knowingly submitted a petition with information that was inaccurate beyond scientifically reasonable margins of error, fraudulent, or misrepresentative.