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Cassidy Demands Info on IAM’s Alleged Cuban Ties

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) wrote to the International Association of Machinists (IAM) seeking information on its alleged Cuban ties.
Cassidy cited a July State Department report that Havana uses U.S. labor-union contacts to lobby for lifting embargoes and removal from Sponsor of Terrorism list.
Cassidy warned that IAM dues could fund an influence scheme, noting union had organized trips to Cuba, adopted pro-Cuban stances and hosted diplomat David Ramírez Álvarez.

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Story summary

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) wrote to the International Association of Machinists (IAM) seeking information on its alleged Cuban ties.
Cassidy cited a July State Department report that Havana uses U.S. labor-union contacts to lobby for lifting embargoes and removal from Sponsor of Terrorism list.
Cassidy warned that IAM dues could fund an influence scheme, noting union had organized trips to Cuba, adopted pro-Cuban stances and hosted diplomat David Ramírez Álvarez.