Senator Marco Rubio broke his silence on Friday regarding U.S. programs aimed at supporting democracy in Cuba, as well as funding for media outlets focused on the island. These initiatives have been jeopardized by budget cuts from the new U.S. administration. Speaking to the press after his tour of Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname, the Cuban-American senator noted that some of these projects "were not cut," but many will "be reassessed over time."
"Properly executed foreign aid can advance our national interests, protect our borders, and strengthen our alliances with key partners. Unfortunately, USAID lost sight of its original mission long ago. As a result, the accomplishments were minimal, and the costs were too high," Rubio stated. He emphasized that "we are refocusing our foreign assistance programs to directly align with what is best for the United States and our citizens. We continue essential life-saving programs and make strategic investments that bolster our partners and our own nation."
Rubio further explained that the aim is to pursue "effective programs," clarifying that some initiatives have been "restarted and are being implemented," while others were halted due to not yielding the expected return on investment. "That money could be repurposed for a program that works better at the same cost," he affirmed.
Funding Cuts and Media Impact
The senator also addressed concerns regarding cuts to U.S.-funded media, such as the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which operates Radio Martí and Martí News. "I understand that Martí, along with other entities, has begun broadcasting again today. I believe the executive order required all these agencies to be reduced to the legal minimum," he remarked.
He assured that the ultimate goal is to reform these agencies to deliver news that supports and promotes U.S. national interests. However, he clarified that the State Department does not directly control these entities. "We have many independent media outlets, including all of you, and we are interested in media that presents the U.S. perspective from our foreign policy standpoint. Therefore, that review will be ongoing, but obviously, it falls outside the State Department's control. I do not oversee them," Rubio expressed.
Cuban Medical Missions Under Scrutiny
Regarding the situation of Cuban doctors working abroad, Rubio criticized the Cuban medical missions program, labeling it as a "forced labor" scheme where doctors do not receive fair wages. "The Cuban government decides how much, if anything, to give them; they confiscate their passports; essentially, they operate as forced labor in many locations," Rubio stated.
However, Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, defended the island's doctors, highlighting their contribution to his country's healthcare system and assuring that they benefit according to Jamaican labor laws.
Rubio's remarks on the programs in Cuba come amidst a series of adjustments in U.S. policy towards the island, which include expanding visa restrictions for individuals involved in the Cuban labor export program.
Independent media on the island receiving financial support from certain U.S. entities have felt threatened by the new measures. Cubans eagerly awaited Rubio's statements, as he has been a politician closely aligned with independent media in the Caribbean nation and the Cuban exile community.
Key Issues on U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is Marco Rubio's stance on U.S. aid programs in Cuba?
Marco Rubio advocates for the reevaluation and refocusing of U.S. aid programs to ensure they align with American interests, stating that some programs will continue while others are halted for not being cost-effective.
How have U.S. media outlets focused on Cuba been affected by recent changes?
Media outlets like Radio Martí have faced budget cuts, but are working to reform and align their content with U.S. national interests, despite not being directly controlled by the State Department.
What criticism does Rubio have regarding Cuban medical missions abroad?
Rubio criticized Cuban medical missions, describing them as "forced labor" schemes where doctors are underpaid and have restricted freedom due to withheld passports.