Bill · S. 488· Senate(119-S-488)
DEMOCRACIA Act
- Introduced
- 2/6/2025
- Last activity
- 2/6/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Scott
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "DEMOCRACIA Act," aims to impose sanctions on foreign persons engaging in specific transactions related to Cuba. It targets the Cuban military, security, and intelligence sectors to reduce their financial resources. Sanctions are also directed at those responsible for human rights abuses and corruption within Cuba. The legislation includes provisions for blocking property and revoking visas for targeted individuals. Additionally, it directs the President to work toward providing unrestricted internet service to the Cuban people. The sanctions remain in place until specific democratic transitions and human rights improvements are certified.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+8
The bill directs the President to provide unrestricted and reliable internet service to the people of Cuba.
Does this protect the right to vote?+5
The bill seeks to facilitate a transition to a democracy with free and fair elections.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill targets corruption and misappropriation of state assets by the Cuban government.
The opposite
Would immigrants be better off under this?-5
The bill imposes significant visa and entry restrictions on sanctioned individuals.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-2
The bill imposes strict visa restrictions and ineligibility for individuals subject to sanctions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Support for Democracy and Freedom: The bill establishes a policy to support the Cuban people's desire for freedom and democracy (Section 3).
-
Restricting Financial Resources of the Dictatorship: The act seeks to reduce the financial resources of the Cuban military, security, and intelligence sectors to combat injustice and human rights abuses (Section 3).
-
Protection of Humanitarian Aid: The bill includes exceptions to ensure that the sale of agricultural commodities, medicines, and medical devices can continue (Section 4, subsection (3)(A)).
-
Support for Family Remittances: It allows for remittances to be sent to immediate family members, provided they are not high-level members of the Cuban Communist Party (Section 4, subsection (3)(B)).
-
Humanitarian Exceptions for Food and Medicine: The President is prohibited from imposing certain sanctions on those donating food to independent organizations or exporting medicines and medical supplies (Section 5, subsection (d)).
-
Providing Unrestricted Internet: The bill directs the President to use all means possible to provide the people of Cuba with reliable, unrestricted internet service that is not censored or blocked by their government (Section 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Sanctions on Foreign Persons: Foreign persons engaging in transactions with covered sectors of the Cuban government can have their property blocked and face penalties (Section 4, subsection (a)).
-
Visa and Entry Restrictions: Individuals determined to have engaged in specific activities may be deemed inadmissible to the United States, lose their current visas, and be ineligible for future travel or parole (Section 4, subsection (b)).
-
Sanctions on Government Officials and Families: Sanctions may be applied to current or former officials of the Government of Cuba, including the spouses and children of those subject to sanctions (Section 5, subsection (a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+8
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+5Improves Pathway To Citizenship-2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Immigrants-5
- 10/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/6/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ashley MoodyRepublican · Florida
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama