Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) revealed Monday that she has held discussions with ambassadors from Mexico and other Latin American nations in an effort to help alleviate Cuba’s severe oil and fuel crisis.
Cuba has been grappling with widespread blackouts and acute fuel scarcity after the Trump administration tightened sanctions in January, effectively blocking tankers from delivering petroleum to the island. Jayapal described the policy as “an economic bombing” that primarily harms ordinary civilians.
According to the congresswoman, only one Russian tanker has successfully reached Cuba since the stricter enforcement began.
Her comments drew swift backlash from conservatives, who accused her of treason and potential violations of the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments on behalf of the United States. However, legal experts noted that charges against a sitting member of Congress are highly unlikely.
The episode underscores the deep partisan divisions that continue to shape U.S. policy toward Cuba. While critics argue that engagement with Havana undermines American interests and rewards a repressive regime, Jayapal and other progressives contend that broad sanctions disproportionately punish the Cuban people rather than the government.
The Biden administration had previously eased some Trump-era restrictions, but the current policy has reverted to a harder line, reigniting debate in Washington over the effectiveness and humanitarian impact of economic pressure on the island nation.
No immediate details were released on the substance of Jayapal’s conversations with the Latin American diplomats or whether any concrete assistance commitments were made.
