Senator Robert Menendez Resigns: What This Means for U.S. Policy on Cuba

By Michelle Ellner

Last week Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced his resignation from the U.S. Senate, effective August 20. This decision comes on the heels of his recent conviction on 16 serious charges, including bribery, extortion, acting as a foreign agent, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. While Menendez has vowed to appeal the verdict, the pressure from within his own party—including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and his fellow New Jersey Senator, Cory Booker—seems to have finally taken its toll.

For those of us who have long advocated for a more compassionate and rational U.S. policy toward Cuba, Menendez’s resignation marks the end of an era—one that has been defined by obstruction and regression. Over his three-decade career in Congress, Menendez has been a powerful force in shaping the U.S. belligerent policy toward Cuba and standing in the way of progress. His hardline stance, rooted in his Cuban-American heritage and political alliances, has been a significant barrier to improving relations between Cuba and the U.S.

Back in1996,  Menendez played a key role in the passage of the Helms-Burton Act, a piece of legislation that codified the U.S. embargo against Cuba into law, making it much more difficult for future administrations to lift it. His influence was also felt during the Obama administration, when he fiercely opposed efforts to normalize relations with Cuba. Menendez didn’t just voice his opposition; he actively worked behind the scenes to undermine these efforts, lobbying against the removal of Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list and criticizing President Obama’s historic visit to the island in 2016.

Even more recently, Menendez has been credited with blocking the Biden administration’s attempts to return to Obama-era policies on Cuba. Sources have indicated that Menendez used his influence to delay or dilute policy changes, impeding any moves toward normalization. His steadfast opposition to lifting sanctions on Cuba, even as they contribute to a worsening migration crisis, underscores the damaging impact of his approach.

But Menendez’s legacy isn’t just about his stance on Cuba. His career has been marked by numerous ethical controversies, from his early support for Cuban-American terrorists in the 1980s to more recent scandals involving campaign finance violations and accusations of quid pro quo arrangements with wealthy donors. His resignation, while a victory for those who believe in ethical governance, also opens up the possibility for a new direction in U.S. foreign policy—one that prioritizes diplomacy, human rights, and the well-being of the Cuban people over outdated Cold War hostilities.

As we look ahead, there’s a glimmer of hope that Menendez’s departure could pave the way for a more enlightened and constructive U.S. policy toward Cuba, as well as Venezuela and Nicaragua. It’s time to move beyond the failed policies of the past and work toward a future where the U.S. and Cuba can engage as equals, fostering mutual respect and understanding. For now, we’ll be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds, hopeful that it will bring positive change for both nations.

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Michelle Ellner is the Latin America campaign coordinator of CODEPINK.