1991-1995 

December 8, 1991 - The Soviet Union disbands and subsequently withdraws its personnel from Cuba and discontinues its $4 billion in annual monetary support,( Soviet aid and loans to Cuba total over $100 billion since 1962). The Cuban economy shrinks by over 25% between 1989 and 1991, as its annual imports drop by $8.1 billion in 1989 and $3.5 billion in 1991, causing grave shortages and strict rationing as Cuba enters its "Special Period." 


February 5, 1992 - Congressman Robert Torricelli introduces the "Cuban Democracy Act" a bill that he says is designed to "wreak havoc on that island." The bill establishes sanctions against countries "assisting" Cuba; increases the restrictions on humanitarian aid, specifically food, medicines and medical supplies; permits telecommunication service between the United States and Cuba; refuses entry to any U.S. port to any vessel that has been to Cuba within the past 180 days; and further restricts remittances to Cubans who are planning to use the proceeds to travel to the United States. The Act allows for specific provisions of the law to be waived if several conditions are met by Cuba, including a commitment by their government to allow for free and fair elections. 


October 23, 1992 - President Bush signs the bill and Congressman Torricelli states that the law will bring about the fall of Castro "within weeks." 


January 20, 1993 - William Jefferson Clinton is sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States. 


February 9, 1995 - Senator Jesse Helms introduces the "Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act." Five days later Representative Dan Burton introduces a similar bill in the House of Representatives. These bills are designed to significantly tighten the embargo by further increasing the restrictions on family remittances; limiting the size of property claims; allowing for the filing of property claims in U.S. courts by persons who were Cuban citizens at the time of their property loss but are now U.S. citizens; punishing foreign companies that are using properties that were formerly owned by U.S. entities, by denying U.S. visas to their executives, stockholders, employees, and families; and by declaring it unlawful for any U.S. citizen or corporation to extend financing to any foreign person who "trafficks" in property in Cuba, formerly owned by a U.S. entity. 


November 2, 1995 - By a vote of 117 in favor to 3 against, the United Nations "General Assembly, in adopting a draft resolution on the need to end the United States economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, reiterated its call, (for the fourth consecutive year), to all States to refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures whose extraterritorial effects affect the sovereignty of other States as well as the freedom of trade and navigation."