H.R.450 - Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends; FORCE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 450, also known as the FORCE Act, aims to maintain Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. It prohibits the President and Secretary of State from removing Cuba from this list until specific conditions outlined in the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 are met. These conditions likely involve demonstrable progress towards democracy and human rights in Cuba.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of the FORCE Act would be the continuation of existing sanctions and restrictions on Cuba. This would limit economic interactions and potentially hinder diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. The bill's impact hinges on whether Cuba meets the conditions stipulated in the LIBERTAD Act.
Potential Benefits
- Maintains pressure on the Cuban government to improve its human rights record.
- Signals U.S. commitment to supporting democracy and freedom in Cuba.
- Potentially deters Cuba from supporting international terrorism.
- Provides a framework for future normalization of relations based on concrete reforms.
- Aligns U.S. policy with the concerns of Cuban-American communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder efforts to improve relations with Cuba.
- Could negatively impact the Cuban economy, potentially harming the Cuban people.
- May limit opportunities for cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy.
- Could be viewed as an obstacle to regional cooperation.
- May not be effective in achieving its stated goals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the powers granted to Congress and the President in foreign policy. Congress has the power to legislate on matters of foreign commerce and to set conditions for the conduct of foreign relations. The President, as head of the executive branch, is responsible for implementing these policies. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).