During a recent five-day visit to Cuba, US House members Pramila Jayapal (Washington) and Jonathan Jackson (Illinois) called for a permanent solution to the crises facing the island, particularly due to the effects of the American energy blockade. They met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other officials, where Díaz-Canel denounced the blockade's damaging consequences, describing it as 'criminal damage.' The blockade has resulted in acute fuel shortages, national blackouts, and significant disruptions to public services. Jayapal and Jackson stated that the blockade constitutes 'cruel collective punishment' and must be stopped immediately. They highlighted ongoing high-level talks between the US and Cuba, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed at addressing these issues. Jayapal noted that recent actions by Cuba, such as opening its economy to investments from Cuban Americans and announcing pardons for over 2,000 prisoners, indicate a readiness for serious negotiations. The lawmakers emphasized the need for a sustainable resolution that benefits both the Cuban and American people, criticizing decades of US policy as outdated and ineffective.