House lawmakers hope for Cuba’s transition to democracy after Castro’s death

House lawmakers marked the death of Cuba’s longtime dictator Fidel Castro by calling for the United States to support Cuba in a transition to democracy.

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) recently said that as the vestiges of the Cold War continue to fade, the United States has an opportunity to help ensure that every Cuban citizen has the rights, freedom and opportunity that they deserve.

“Instead of continuing down a path of isolation and exclusion, now is the time for Congress and the new administration to work with the Cuban people and assist in the transition to a democracy and market economy that will improve the lives of the 11 million Cubans living just 90 miles off our coast,” Emmer said.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) called for hope for the future of Cuba in the wake of Castro’s death.

“Fidel Castro’s tyranny oppressed the lives of many, separated families for a lifetime and subjugated Cuba to a half century of poverty and despair,” Lance said. “Tens of thousands of brave men and women lost their lives in an effort to escape his rule or in the fight for freedom and liberty. For many of them, this day has come too late, but for their families and loved ones, including many in New Jersey, let this day be filled with hope that the island will soon become democratic and free.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) called Castro “one of the most brutal dictators of our time.”

“… May the oppression and the disregard of human rights that defined Fidel Castro’s regime die with him,” Comstock said.