Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) along with Cuban Reps. Maria Salazar (FL-27), Mario Diaz Balart (FL-26), and Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) have united to denounce the recent secret trip taken by members of the Socialist Squad to Cuba. Rep. Malliotakis, whose parents are Cuban immigrants, criticized the Squad for their actions, stating, "These are Anti-American Members of Congress - they are Communist sympathizers." She highlighted the atrocities committed by the Cuban regime and called on the State Department to maintain Cuba on the State-Sponsor of Terrorism list.

Rep. Salazar emphasized the long history of Cuba supporting terrorism and leftist dictatorships, insisting that the regime's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism must remain in place. She stated, “The regime continues to terrorize its people and support terror abroad and must remain on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list.”

Similarly, Rep. Diaz-Balart expressed the importance of keeping Cuba on the terrorism list due to its association with rogue regimes and terrorist activities. He urged his colleagues not to be swayed by ideology but to stand with the Cuban people in their fight for freedom.

Rep. Gimenez, the only Cuban-born Member of Congress, condemned the secret meeting with Cuban officials by socialist members of Congress. He stressed the dangers of lobbying on behalf of a communist regime and reiterated his commitment to denouncing the brutality of Communist Cuba.

The joint condemnation by these representatives highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom in Cuba and the need to hold the regime accountable for its human rights violations and support of terrorism.