House Approves Bill Funding Cuba “Democracy Promotion”

The House approved the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, State Department and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which cuts spending by about 16% from 2025. But one area that has not been hit by cuts is “democracy promotion” aimed at “transition” in Cuba. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), a close ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is trying to help secure $25 million for the cottage industry of political operators, activists and media outlets seeking to bring about regime change in Cuba, as well as $30 million for Radio and TV Martí, long considered a pork barrel project benefiting Miami politicians and Cuban-American hardliners. The act must be approved by the Senate before becoming law.