Benjamin Gilman: “the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity [Libertad] Act of 1996 has three constructive objectives: to bring an early…”

“the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity [Libertad] Act of 1996 has three constructive objectives: to bring an early end to the Castro regime by cutting off capital that keeps it afloat; to start planning now for United States support to a democratic transition in Cuba; and, to protect property confiscated from United States citizens that is being exploited today by foreign companies that are profiting at the expense of the Cuban people. This legislation charts a course for responsible normalization of United States-Cuba relations under specific conditions. And, in the meantime, it helps protect the property of U.S. citizens until they can reclaim it under a democratic government. Mr. Speaker, ``libertad'' means ``freedom'' for the Cuban people, literally and figuratively. By approving this Libertad Act with wide bipartisan support, Congress will demonstrate our solidarity with the Cuban people who are struggling to be free. We are sending an unambiguous response to Castro in the wake of his murderous attack on February 24 that cost the lives of four innocent Americans. And we express our condolences to their families.”