Mooney urges action on Cuba as protests continue

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., says the United States has an opportunity to promote change within Cuba amid protests in the country.

Cuban citizens have held antigovernment demonstrations related to economic challenges, including high prices and food shortages. Authorities have attempted to stop the calls for action by detaining protesters.

U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va. (File)

President Joe Biden said Monday the Cuban people are “bravely asserting fundamental and universal rights” by continuing to protest, and he called on Cuban leaders to serve their country and listen to demonstrators.

“I actually agree with Joe Biden on this,” Mooney said on Tuesday’s “MetroNews Talkline.”

“However, I think we need more than just words. Asking a tyrannical, communist regime to be nice isn’t going to have any effect.”

Mooney, whose mother was born in Cuba, said lawmakers should consider approving an Authorization for Use of Military Force to provide Cuban citizens with aid such as food and medicine.

“I think this can be very bipartisan,” he added. “There are Democrats in Congress who share my views about Cuba. Very much so. I think it is something that maybe we can work together with the president, give him the backing.”

Mooney said if Congress authorized the use of military force, Biden could decide the best actions to help Cuban citizens.

“Biden knows Congress is OK with him doing something momentarily,” he said.

The U.S. House of Representatives does not have any votes scheduled until July 19.





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