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DEMOCRACIA Act
12/15/2023, 3:54 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1120
One of the key provisions of the DEMOCRACIA Act is the establishment of a fund to support civil society organizations working to promote democracy and human rights in Latin America. This fund would provide financial assistance to these organizations to help them carry out their important work.
Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen election monitoring and observation efforts in the region. By providing support for international election monitoring missions, the DEMOCRACIA Act aims to ensure that elections in Latin America are free and fair, and that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the results. Another important aspect of the bill is its focus on combating corruption in Latin America. The DEMOCRACIA Act includes provisions to support anti-corruption efforts in the region, including measures to increase transparency and accountability in government institutions. Overall, the DEMOCRACIA Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at promoting democracy and human rights in Latin America. By supporting civil society organizations, strengthening election monitoring efforts, and combating corruption, the bill seeks to advance the values of democracy and freedom in the region.
Congressional Summary of HR 1120
Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act or the DEMOCRACIA Act
This bill provides for asset- and visa-blocking sanctions for conduct relating to Cuba. It also establishes an interagency task force to facilitate access to uncensored internet in Cuba.
The President must sanction foreign persons that provide financial support to specified Cuban government sectors (e.g., the defense sector) or any other government sector that the President certifies is involved in human rights abuses or terrorism. This includes foreign persons that (1) are military contractors or mercenaries operating on behalf of the Cuban government, or (2) violate laws restricting trade with Cuba. Specified transactions, including remittances to immediate family members (subject to some limitations) and payments related to U.S. military and diplomatic sites, are not subject to these sanctions.
The President must also sanction (1) foreign persons complicit or engaged in human rights abuses or corruption, (2) foreign persons supporting such conduct, and (3) specified Cuban government officials and their affiliates. The bill provides humanitarian exceptions to these sanctions, for example, donating food or agricultural commodities to organizations or individuals unaffiliated with the Cuban government.
The President may not license sanctionable conduct, and U.S. persons seeking to engage in a permitted transaction must submit a written request to the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury. The President may waive the sanctions in the interest of U.S. national security.
To terminate the sanctions, the President must certify that the Cuban government has legalized all political activities and taken other steps to promote political rights and freedoms. Congress must then enact a joint resolution approving the termination.
