Rep. Fabian Basabe: 'Insult' to Remove Cuba as State Sponsor of Terrorism

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Miami Beach House Republican Fabian Basabe criticized the decision to remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST), calling it an "insult" and a "threat to national security" on Thursday.

"The decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terror is a direct insult to those who have suffered under the regime’s brutality and a dangerous threat to our national security," Basabe said.

He also called the move "reckless", noting it would empower a Cuban government that "thrives on oppression and destabilizes our region."

The decision, agreed to by the Biden administration, will reportedly release political prisoners jailed for protesting against the communist nation in July 2021.

Cuban officials have longed to remove the designation, which had been in place since Jan. 12, 2021. However, the Biden administration resisted the change up until Tuesday.

"The Government of Cuba has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding 6-month period; and the The Government of Cuba has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future," the Certifican said.

Notably, the agreement does not include the United States' economic blockade on Cuba, which has remained in place since February 1962 under President John F. Kennedy.

According to the United States Department of State, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Iran, and Syria remain designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism.

The announcement also comes five days before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated for his second term. During his first term in office, Trump placed the SST designation on Cuba.

"The people sent a clear message by electing representatives who stand united in the fight to restore strength, integrity and freedom," Basabe continued. "It is petty and disgraceful for career politicians, who refuse to lose gracefully, to attempt to destroy everything good in their path, hurting decent people along the way on their way OUT!"

Represented by Basabe, House District 106 includes North Bay Village, Sunny Isles Beach, and Miami Beach. The 46-year-old retained his seat after defeating Democratic candidate Joe Saunders by four points in the November general election.