A bipartisan effort to honor a Cuban anti-communist activist has hit a snag in Congress. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has blocked a bill aimed at renaming the street outside the Cuban Embassy to “Oswaldo Payá Way.”
Oswaldo Payá was a well-known figure who founded the Christian Liberation Movement in the 1980s. He died in a car crash in 2021, which the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has called an intentional act by the Cuban government. The bill to honor him has been introduced multiple times, with support from Senators Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, and Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois. Cruz praised Payá as a champion for free speech and human rights, who consistently challenged the Cuban regime.
Booker acknowledged Payá’s significant contributions and called him an “extraordinary hero.” However, he believes that the decision to rename the street should be left to the Washington, D.C. City Council, emphasizing the importance of local governance. He stated that while he supports recognizing Payá’s work, it should come through the District’s democratic process.
Cruz responded to Booker’s objections by suggesting that they stem from partisan politics. He pointed out that Booker previously supported similar legislation when Joe Biden was president, questioning why his stance has changed now that Donald Trump holds the office. Cruz argued that naming the street would apply pressure on the Cuban government and further the cause of democracy.
This disagreement highlights the ongoing political divide in Congress, particularly around issues related to Cuba and U.S. foreign policy. Booker has a history of making bold statements in the Senate, and his recent actions reflect a commitment to local autonomy amid national debates.
