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S488119th Congress

DEMOCRACIA Act

Sponsored By: Senator Scott, Rick [R-FL]

Introduced

Summary

A focused sanctions regime aimed at Cuba’s military, security, and intelligence sectors. This bill would cut off financial support and other resources to officials and entities tied to repression or corruption, block their property, and deny U.S. visas to many who support abuses.

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  • Families and humanitarian flows: The bill preserves exports of food, medicine, and medical devices and allows remittances to immediate family members with specific exclusions for high‑level Communist Party figures and their relatives. It also protects democracy assistance, embassy operations, Guantanamo Bay payments, and limited internet restoration that meets conditions.
  • U.S. persons and compliance: U.S. persons wanting to engage in transactions subject to the sanctions would have to submit written requests to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the bill prohibits issuance of general licenses. Violations are subject to civil and criminal penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
  • Scope, designations, and exceptions: The bill lists broad categories for designation including party, military, intelligence, and security officials and their affiliates. The President may add sectors that support abuses after certification effective in 15 days and may grant waivers for national security or short 180‑day waivers.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Uncensored internet for Cuban people

If enacted, the President would use all available means to give the people of Cuba reliable, uncensored internet. The service must not be censored, blocked, or otherwise restricted by the Cuban government. It must not use technology, services, or communications backed by the Chinese Communist Party. The President would notify Congress once a connection is established. An interagency task force must be set up within 90 days and must report within 180 days with long-term options.

New sanctions and visa limits on Cuba

If enacted, the bill would create a broad sanctions system targeting Cuba's defense, security, and intelligence sectors. It would let the President block property and transactions under IEEPA and TWEA. Foreign persons who knowingly provide financial, material, or technological support to covered sectors could trigger mandatory sanctions. Entities more than 25% owned by covered sectors may be treated as covered. The President may not issue general licenses, and U.S. persons must send written requests to OFAC for covered transfers. Designated people could be denied U.S. visas and have visas revoked immediately. The President may issue a single nonrenewable 180-day waiver for vital national security interests. New covered sectors take effect 15 days after the President notifies Congress.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Scott, Rick [R-FL]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 10/27/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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