WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) joined U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in introducing the Countering Espionage and Surveillance Entities in Cuba (CEASE) Act. This legislation would impose sanctions on any foreign person who has engaged in a significant transaction or provided support to or for Chinese military or intelligence facilities in Cuba.

“The Chinese Communist Party has proven time and time again it is willing to lie, cheat, and steal to advance its economic and military strength. Now China is teaming up with a Cuban dictator to establish spy bases only miles away from our border,” said Senator Barrasso. “This legislation is a critical step in safeguarding our country from these serious security threats.”

“The Chinese Communist Party’s deepening military and intelligence partnership with Cuba directly threatens U.S. national security,” said Senator Risch. “The fact that China has multiple intelligence facilities in Cuba less than 100 miles from our shores and in close range to a U.S. military base proves there is no ‘thaw’ in relations with either of these malign actors. The CEASE Act will provide the tools necessary to counter these urgent threats.”

The CEASE Act:

• Authorizes financial and visa sanctions on foreign persons providing significant material support to or for Chinese military and intelligence facilities in Cuba.
• Requires a State Department report on diplomatic engagement between China and Cuba, on the military and intelligence activities of China in Cuba, and on any progress verifiably closing Chinese military and intelligence facilities in Cuba.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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