Congresswoman Claudia Tenney Introduces Bill to Counter Internet Censorship and Promote Freedom of Expression for People of Cuba

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today led four of her colleagues in introducing the Championing Uncensored Broadband Access, or “CUBA” Act of 2021. This bill will direct the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to counter the Cuban government’s censorship efforts and take steps to support the dissemination of censorship circumvention tools. While the Cuban people continue to protest in the streets for basic rights and vital freedoms, the regime has cut off open access to the internet. It also continues to monitor and target dissidents online. 

“The regime in Cuba does not want the world to see the atrocities of socialism, nor does it wish to allow its own people the ability to communicate freely with each other or the outside world,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The United States must use the tools at our disposal to help the Cuban people overcome their government’s censorship efforts. This bill directs the Biden Administration to end its foot-dragging and finally take practical steps to assist the Cuban people in circumventing the regime’s censorship. I am honored to lead this important bill with Congresswoman Maria Salazar, who has been a tireless champion for freedom and democracy on the island of Cuba.”

Tenney was joined by Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar and four of their colleagues in the House of Representatives in leading this legislation.

“The Cuban people are being massacred. They need unrestricted internet access now,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “The Biden Administration does not have a plan so Congress is moving forward with a strategy to facilitate internet access to the Cuban people.”

“The criminal Castro regime blocks internet access for the Cuban people in a cowardly attempt to hide from the world the voices that shout freedom in the streets, and to bloodily repress the people without restraint. The United States must do everything possible to bring internet to the island. We are a country of innovation, and we have the tools and technology. It is time that we use them to help the Cuban people in their fight against communism," said Congressman Carlos Gimenez.

“As the daughter of a Cuban refugee, I’m proud to join Reps. Tenney and Salazar in calling on the Biden Administration to use every tool available to provide the Cuban people with free, open and unlimited access to the internet,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Sharing videos with the outside world is the only way the Cuban people can expose the reality of living under a communist regime. The United States, as leader of the free world, must do everything in its power to support the Cuban people in their fight for freedom, democracy, and basic human rights.”

"Free access to the internet is the tool that can untangle the web of lies spun by Cuba's oppressive regime. We’ve heard from countless Cuban patriots that Internet access is vital in their efforts against the brainwashing and suppression of a socialist regime, and passing this bill is a crucial step that Congress can take to support their fight for freedom," said Congressman Brian Mast.

Additional Details of the CUBA Act: 

• The bill supports the ability of the people of Cuba to maintain their freedom to access information online and focuses on investments in technologies that facilitate the unrestricted exchange of information over the internet.

• It requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to develop and implement a strategy to establish internet resiliency and deliver internet access by expanding use of circumvention tools and other technologies. 

• It requires the Secretary of State to submit a report 90 days after enactment that describes the actions taken to deploy telecommunications, internet, and communications services and to identify impediments and further resources needed to deliver to help the Cuban people overcome government censorship.