Biden certifies Cuba for proposed removal from the state sponsors of terrorism list

President Joe Biden issued a January 14, 2025 certification supporting the proposed rescission of Cuba’s state sponsor of terrorism designation. The certification said Cuba had not provided support for international terrorism during the preceding six months and had provided assurances that it would not support acts of international terrorism in the future. Biden cited several statutes governing rescission of terrorism-related designations, including the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act. The action mattered because removing a country from the terrorism list can change sanctions, export controls, financial restrictions, and travel-related consequences, but it also requires formal notice and a waiting period that gives Congress a chance to respond.