Senator Nelson’s Flip Flopping on Cuba Policy
As Governor Scott continues to solidify his commitment to continue the fight in Washington to promote freedom and democracy in Cuba, we are reminded of all the ways Senator Nelson has contradicted himself when it comes to taking a stance on brutal dictators like Castro.
Senator Nelson can’t seem to make up his mind when it comes to Cuba. While Senator Nelson has flip flopped on many issues over the past four decades, fighting for freedom and democracy should never be compromised.
Early in his Senate career, Nelson supported measures meant to maintain the travel ban to Cuba, including voting to kill an amendment that would have prohibited funds from being used to enforce the ban. (H.R. 2989, Roll Call Vote #405: Motion rejected 36-59, 10/23/03, Nelson Voted Yea; CQ Summary)
FLIP FLOP: But then, in response to President Obama’s decision to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, Senator Nelson proclaimed “it’s a hallelujah day.” On relations with Cuba, he said “it’s the 21st century and we need to move on…” (Sandra Frederick, “‘This Is A Hallelujah Day,’” The Key West Citizen (Florida), 12/18/14)
NOT SURE?: According to the Tampa Bay Times, when asked for his position on the Trump administration’s new policy on Cuba, Senator Nelson attempted to “have it both ways” by claiming to support the embargo while also supporting easing restrictions. (Alex Leary, “Bill Nelson Plays It Safe On Trump’s Cuba Shift,” Tampa Bay Times, 6/20/17)
Senator Nelson’s inability to make up his mind on Cuba stands in stark contrast to Governor Scott’s consistent record of supporting state and national policies that prioritize human rights and democracy in Cuba (see here, here, here, here, here, or here).
“The Cuban people have been waiting nearly six decades for freedom and democracy – and time is up for career politicians like Senator Nelson, who can no longer get away with a flimsy stance on the Castro dictatorship. With the instability, chaos and violence in Latin America today, Floridians need a leader that will fight for a strong and free Latin America. Governor Scott is that leader, and he will do everything he can in Washington to help begin a new day of freedom and democracy for Cuba and its people.” – Lauren Schenone, Scott for Florida Press Secretary
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