Congressman Díaz-Balart Commemorates Cuban Independence Day

May 20, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued the following statement commemorating Cuban Independence Day: "Today, we mark 124 years since Cuba gained its independence after centuries of subordination as a colony oppressed under Spanish rule. Tragically, just a few short decades after winning their independence, the Cuban people were once again subordinated to tyranny—this time under the oppressive Castro regime. Over the past six decades, Cuban heroes have continued to demand freedom and basic human rights. We cannot forget martyrs such as Pedro Luis Boitel, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Juan Wilfredo Soto Garcia, Laura Pollan, Oswaldo Paya, and Harold Cepero perished in the struggle. And today, courageous J11 activists, some who were minors when arrested, as well as San Isidro artists Maykel Castillo “El Osorbo” and Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, continue to languish in prison simply for demanding basic liberties. The path to Cuba’s independence was neither quick nor easy. We know that the Cuban people will be free and it will be because of the brave pro-democracy activists who continue to defending human life, dignity, human rights, and freedom until they once again achieve full independence from tyranny." ### Issues : Cuba Foreign Affairs Defense/National Security