U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar, who serves Florida’s 27th district in Congress, has used her social media platform to address the legacy of Cuban dissident Oswaldo Payá and highlight recent legislative efforts aimed at the Cuban government.
On July 22, 2025, Salazar posted a message marking the anniversary of Payá’s death: “13 years ago today, the Cuban Communist regime killed Oswaldo Payá for daring to speak the truth. They tried to erase him. But we will always remember his bravery. That’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor the bill to rename that street in front of the Cuban embassy Oswaldo Payá Way.” On the same day, she reiterated her message in Spanish: “Hace 13 años, el régimen comunista cubano asesinó a Oswaldo Payá por atreverse a decir la verdad. Intentaron borrarlo. Pero nunca podrán borrar su valentía. Por eso, me enorgullece copatrocinar el proyecto de ley para renombrar la calle frente a la embajada cubana como ‘Oswaldo'”.
Two days later, on July 24, Salazar referenced new legislative measures regarding U.S.-Cuba relations: “Thanks to the unwavering leadership of my good friend @MarioDB , Congress is sending a powerful message: not one U.S. dollar will support the Cuban military dictatorship. The FY2026 national security bill blocks aid to anyone who funds or enables the regime’s operations.”
Salazar has represented Florida’s 27th congressional district since 2021 after replacing Donna Shalala and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Miami in 1961 and an alumna of the University of Miami, Salazar has been active in legislative initiatives related to Cuba and Latin America.
The proposed bill mentioned by Salazar seeks to rename the street outside Cuba’s embassy as “Oswaldo Payá Way,” honoring Payá’s activism and commemorating his death, which many critics attribute to actions by Cuba’s government. In addition, Congressional action through national security legislation aims to prevent U.S. funds from reaching entities supporting or enabling operations of Cuba’s military-led administration.
