Diaz-Balart Condemns Biden's Reduction in Force of Office of Cuba Broadcasting

For many years, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has given the Cuban people news media through its Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) that the state disallows. Recently, however, just over a year after the historic July 11th protests, its budget has been facing a Reduction in Force (RIF). Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) is calling this RIF "despicable" and an attempt by the Biden administration "to appease the Communist oppressors."

Diaz-Balart says that the OCB used to receive $30 million a year to continue its mission. Now it can barely scrape $13 million. USAGM blames Congress, which Diaz-Balart adds that "certainly, the Democrat majority shares a large part of the blame." However, Diaz-Balart asks why USAGM is only asking for under half of its normal budget. He notes that "USAGM has not affirmed whether it is initiating these layoffs due to the administration's plans for "reform" or due to its requested budget cuts."

The statement concludes with an acknowledgement of the July 11th protests, and how many political prisoners remain behind bars in Cuba. As such, this Reduction in Force to the Office of Cuba Broadcasting "is an insult to the heroes who continue to risk their lives for freedom." He adds, "the Biden Administration and USAGM should abandon this despicable attempt to weaken OCB before they cause irreparable harm, and finally stand with the Cuban people at a time when they need it most."

Diaz-Balart's statement is the latest in Republican calls for the Biden administration to take stronger action against Cuba. As we reported earlier today, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) demanded Cuban dictator Miguel Diaz-Canel be denied entry to the United Nations General Assembly in September. In July, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) similarly condemned Biden for promising to ease economic sanctions on the island, while introducing a bill aiding US companies to help Cubans bypass state internet censorship.