FORCE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 450
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-02-28T18:08:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends" (FORCE) Act aims to maintain Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism by prohibiting its removal from the U.S. list until specific democratic reforms are certified under existing law. This ensures continued restrictions on U.S. relations with Cuba until conditions related to ending oppression and promoting democracy are met.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Removal: The President and Secretary of State are barred from removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, regardless of other laws, until the President certifies compliance with section 205 of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996. This section requires Cuba to meet conditions such as releasing political prisoners, respecting human rights, and transitioning to a democratic government.
- Definition of State Sponsor of Terrorism: The bill defines this term as a country whose government has repeatedly supported international terrorism, as determined under key U.S. laws including the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Arms Export Control Act, or similar provisions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new, overriding restriction on executive authority to delist Cuba, linking removal directly to the LIBERTAD Act's certification process, which was enacted in 1996 to codify sanctions against Cuba's communist regime.
- Previously, the President had discretion to remove countries from the terrorism list based on changed circumstances; this bill eliminates that flexibility for Cuba until the specified determination is made.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Limits the State Department's ability to normalize relations with Cuba, potentially affecting diplomatic efforts, aid restrictions, and export controls enforced by agencies like the Departments of State, Treasury, and Commerce.
- On Citizens: Cuban Americans and U.S. citizens advocating for stronger Cuba policy may see reinforced sanctions, while those supporting engagement could face prolonged barriers to travel, trade, and family remittances.
- On International Relations: Strains U.S.-Cuba ties, signaling continued U.S. opposition to the Cuban government; it may influence multilateral efforts on terrorism designations and human rights, potentially isolating Cuba further in global forums.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government Officials: President, Secretary of State, and congressional committees (e.g., House Foreign Affairs Committee, where the bill was referred).
- Cuban Government and Citizens: The Castro regime faces sustained pressure through sanctions; ordinary Cubans may experience indirect effects on economic opportunities and political reforms.
- U.S. Cuban-American Community: Sponsors like Rep. Salazar and co-introducers (many from Florida) represent this group, which has historically pushed for tough policies against Cuba.
- Business and Advocacy Groups: U.S. companies interested in Cuban markets and human rights organizations monitoring Cuba's compliance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the LIBERTAD Act's framework without altering it, but creates a statutory hurdle that could lead to legal challenges if executive actions conflict; upholds congressional oversight of foreign policy under Article I of the Constitution.
- Constitutional: Balances executive foreign affairs powers (Article II) with legislative authority to impose conditions on treaties and sanctions, potentially testing separation of powers in court.
- Political: Reflects bipartisan (though largely Republican-led) support for a hardline stance against Cuba's regime, amid ongoing debates over U.S. sanctions policy; could influence future administrations' approaches to Latin American relations and terrorism designations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]
Cosponsors (30)
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7], Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario [R-FL-26], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Womack, Steve [R-AR-3], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-01-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends — issued 2025-01-15 — PDF (2 pages)