Denouncing the human trafficking and forced labor of and profiteering from Cuban medical personnel serving in third-world countries.

Bill Number

H.Res. 205

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2025-05-21T08:06:20Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

H. Res. 205 is a non-binding House resolution that condemns the Cuban government's practices of human trafficking and forced labor involving its medical personnel deployed to other countries, particularly in developing nations. It highlights exploitation through programs like foreign medical missions, where the Cuban regime profits significantly while controlling and underpaying workers.

Key Provisions Outlined

The resolution is structured around "Whereas" clauses citing evidence from U.S. Department of State reports (e.g., the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report and a June 2024 congressional report) and ends with a "Resolved" section outlining the House's positions:

• Recognition of violations: Acknowledges that Cuba's treatment of medical personnel abroad breaches international treaties on human trafficking and forced labor (e.g., by confiscating passports, surveilling workers, imposing curfews, and punishing deserters or their families).
• Responsibilities of signatories: Notes that countries party to these treaties must ensure Cuban workers' conditions meet global standards for foreign laborers.
• Urging direct payments: Calls on foreign governments to bypass the Cuban regime by paying medical personnel directly, rejecting exploitation and wage withholding (estimated regime profits: $6–8 billion annually from 72 countries over the past 5 years).
• Visa revocation push: Encourages the U.S. President to revoke visas for officials from host countries and organizations (e.g., Brazilian, Honduran, Mexican officials; Pan American Health Organization) involved in these schemes until they protect workers' rights.
• Approval of U.S. policy: Endorses a February 25, 2025, State Department statement by Secretary Marco Rubio expanding visa restrictions on those exploiting Cuban labor.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

This resolution introduces no new laws or binding changes, as it is a declarative measure without legal force. However, it references and supports existing authorities under the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47), including visa revocation powers (section 7031(c)) and reporting requirements on Cuban labor exports. It approves recent policy expansions in visa restrictions but does not amend statutes.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: Strengthens U.S. State Department enforcement of anti-trafficking measures, potentially increasing diplomatic reporting and visa actions; may require coordination with the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees.
• On citizens: Aims to protect Cuban medical workers from exploitation by promoting better oversight and direct payments, though it offers no direct aid; could indirectly affect U.S. citizens or residents interacting with these programs (e.g., in healthcare).
• On international relations: May strain U.S. ties with Cuba, host nations (e.g., Brazil's "Mais Medicos" program), and organizations like the Pan American Health Organization by urging accountability and visa penalties; could encourage global scrutiny of labor practices but faces resistance from countries rebuffing U.S. diplomatic efforts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Cuban medical personnel: Primary victims, facing forced labor, surveillance, and threats; the resolution seeks to improve their protections and wages.
• Cuban government/regime: Targeted for profiteering and trafficking facilitation; faces reputational damage and potential U.S. sanctions pressure.
• Host governments and officials: Countries like Brazil, Honduras, and Mexico, plus organizations like the Pan American Health Organization, are urged to reform hiring and could face U.S. visa revocations for complicity.
• U.S. government: Congress and the executive branch (e.g., State Department, President) are positioned to act on anti-trafficking policies.
• International community: Signatories to human trafficking treaties (e.g., UN protocols) are reminded of obligations, potentially affecting global health and labor aid programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces U.S. implementation of international anti-trafficking standards (e.g., Palermo Protocol) without creating enforceable obligations; visa revocations under existing law (e.g., Immigration and Nationality Act authorities) could lead to legal challenges from affected officials but align with U.S. anti-trafficking statutes like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
• Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it respects separation of powers by urging (not mandating) executive action, avoiding infringement on presidential foreign affairs authority under Article II.
• Political: Signals bipartisan U.S. opposition to Cuban human rights abuses (sponsored by Republicans and a Democrat), potentially influencing future appropriations or sanctions legislation; may escalate Cold War-era tensions with Cuba while pressuring allies in Latin America, highlighting U.S. leadership in global anti-trafficking efforts amid domestic debates on immigration and foreign aid.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Green, Mark E. [R-TN-7]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-10: Submitted in House
• 2025-03-10: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Denouncing the human trafficking and forced labor of and profiteering from Cuban medical personnel serving in third-world countries. — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (5 pages)