Title 22 — Foreign Relations and IntercourseRelease 119-73

§6007 Policy toward a democratic Cuban Government

Title 22 › Chapter CHAPTER 69— - CUBAN DEMOCRACY › § 6007

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The President can waive the rules in section 6005 if he tells Congress that Cuba meets five tests: it held free, observer‑monitored elections; gave opposition parties time to organize and fair media access; respects basic civil rights; is moving toward a free‑market economy; and has promised constitutional changes to guarantee regular free elections. If he finds that, he must encourage Cuba’s return to international organizations and financial institutions, provide emergency aid during its economic transition, and take steps to end the U.S. trade embargo.

Full Legal Text

Title 22, §6007

Foreign Relations and Intercourse — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The President may waive the requirements of section 6005 of this title if the President determines and reports to the Congress that the Government of Cuba—

(1)has held free and fair elections conducted under internationally recognized observers;

(2)has permitted opposition parties ample time to organize and campaign for such elections, and has permitted full access to the media to all candidates in the elections;

(3)is showing respect for the basic civil liberties and human rights of the citizens of Cuba;

(4)is moving toward establishing a free market economic system; and

(5)has committed itself to constitutional change that would ensure regular free and fair elections that meet the requirements of paragraph (2).

(b)If the President makes a determination under subsection (a), the President shall take the following actions with respect to a Cuban Government elected pursuant to elections described in subsection (a):

(1)To encourage the admission or reentry of such government to international organizations and international financial institutions.

(2)To provide emergency relief during Cuba’s transition to a viable economic system.

(3)To take steps to end the United States trade embargo of Cuba.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

22 U.S.C. § 6007

Title 22 — Foreign Relations and Intercourse

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73