Salazar Questions Secretary Rubio on Cuba, Venezuela, and Western Hemisphere Priorities During House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, "Department of State FY 2027 Budget Request: A Commitment to America First Foreign Policy," focusing on democratic transitions in Cuba and Venezuela, allegations of electoral fraud in Colombia, and the broader challenges facing freedom and democratic governance across the Western Hemisphere.
On Cuba, Rep. Salazar emphasized that the time has come for the Castro regime to leave power and questioned what additional steps the United States can take to accelerate a democratic transition on the island. She stressed that any future transition must ensure that no member of the Castro family remains in control under a different arrangement and that the Cuban people are finally able to determine their own future.
On Venezuela, Rep. Salazar reaffirmed that the ultimate objective of U.S. policy must be the restoration of democracy, the rule of law, and free and fair elections. She questioned why the United States should wait to send a clear message that Venezuela's transition must include a credible timetable for democratic elections and emphasized the importance of creating the conditions necessary for a lasting democratic recovery.
"There can be no democratic future for Cuba that leaves the Castro family in power, and there can be no lasting stability in Venezuela without free and fair elections," said Rep. Salazar. I was pleased to discuss these priorities with Secretary Rubio during today's hearing and to reaffirm that American leadership in our hemisphere means standing firmly with those who seek freedom, democracy, and self-government. The people of Cuba and Venezuela deserve governments that derive their legitimacy from the will of the people, not from force, repression, or political privilege."
Secretary Rubio reaffirmed that the Administration will not allow them Castro regime to benefit from the game they've been playing and emphasized that meaningful economic recovery in Cuba will require fundamental political change. On Venezuela, he stated that the ultimate goal remains free and fair multiparty elections and outlined the conditions necessary to achieve them, including an independent press, the ability of political parties to organize freely, and the creation of a new electoral commission.
Secretary Rubio noted that the Administration would like to see those conditions established as soon as possible and stressed that Venezuela's future must ultimately be determined by the Venezuelan people.
In addition to Cuba and Venezuela, Rep. Salazar raised concerns about allegations of electoral fraud surrounding Colombia's presidential election and questioned what steps the United States would take if members of the Petro government were found to be involved in efforts to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring that Colombians are able to choose their next president through free, fair, and transparent elections.
As Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Rep. Salazar used the hearing to reaffirm that America's leadership in the region begins with confronting dictatorships, strengthening democratic allies, countering malign foreign influence, and standing firmly with those fighting for freedom throughout the Americas.
Key Issues Raised by Rep. Salazar During the Hearing:
• Ensuring that no member of the Castro family remains in power as part of any future democratic transition in Cuba
• Establishing a clear path toward free and fair elections in Venezuela, including the restoration of democratic institutions, the rule of law, a free press, independent political parties, and a new electoral authority
• Holding accountable those who engage in electoral fraud or efforts to undermine the integrity of Colombia's presidential election
To watch Rep. Salazar's full exchange with Secretary Rubio during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, click here
BACKGROUND:
The Western Hemisphere remains a critical U.S. national security priority as authoritarian regimes, transnational criminal organizations, and foreign adversaries seek to expand their influence throughout the region. From the ongoing crises in Cuba and Venezuela to growing Chinese investment in strategic infrastructure across Latin America, developments in the hemisphere have direct implications for American security, economic interests, and regional stability.
As Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Rep. Salazar has led congressional efforts to advance freedom, democratic governance, and accountability throughout the Americas. Her work has focused on supporting democratic movements in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, strengthening partnerships with key regional allies, and countering the influence of authoritarian actors that threaten stability in the hemisphere.
Florida's 27th Congressional District is home to vibrant Cuban, Venezuelan, Colombian, Nicaraguan, and broader Hispanic communities with deep ties to the region. As a result, developments across the Americas are not distant foreign policy issues, but matters that directly affect thousands of families in South Florida.
Rep. Salazar remains committed to an America First foreign policy that promotes freedom, strengthens democratic institutions, advances U.S. national interests, and supports those across the hemisphere fighting for liberty and self-government.