Gov. Rick Scott: We Need a Cuba Policy That Respects the Fundamental Desire of the Cuban People to Be Free

Statement

Today, Governor Rick Scott issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's announcement yesterday on ending the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy.

Governor Rick Scott said, "President Obama's Cuba policy can be summed up this way: he has legitimized and coddled a bloodthirsty dictator and in the process, he has turned his back on those who have fought so hard for a free Cuba.

"As we sit here right now, people in Cuba are being persecuted and killed for their faith, for supporting democracy, for expressing their political views, and for simply desiring freedom.

"With the President's latest move, it appears that he has consulted and negotiated with a foreign tyrant while completely ignoring the United States Congress. We have a number of great members of Congress in our Florida delegation of Cuban descent, but of course the President did not involve them in his decision-making.

"Obama's polices have not improved human rights in Cuba. In fact, things may be getting worse. We believe that the murderous regime made about 10,000 political arrests last year. Just this week, pro-democracy leader Dr. Oscar Biscet was arrested. Obama has betrayed America's long-standing commitment to human rights and freedom in Cuba. We need a Cuba policy that respects the fundamental desire of the Cuban people to be free."

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