The "Baseball Diplomacy Act" seeks to remove specific U.S. restrictions to enable Cuban nationals to play organized professional baseball in the United States. It waives certain authorities under the Foreign Assistance Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, preventing them from being used to regulate financial transactions or prohibit these players from returning to Cuba with their earnings. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, ensuring that H-2B visas for Cuban professional baseball players cannot be denied under that authority. These waivers apply despite certain restrictions in the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996. The legislation also clarifies that such visas permit a stay only for the duration of the baseball season and do not require renewal for subsequent entries if the player maintains a valid contract with the same professional team.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
International Affairs
Baseball Diplomacy Act
USA119th CongressHR-2415| House
| Updated: 3/27/2025
The "Baseball Diplomacy Act" seeks to remove specific U.S. restrictions to enable Cuban nationals to play organized professional baseball in the United States. It waives certain authorities under the Foreign Assistance Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, preventing them from being used to regulate financial transactions or prohibit these players from returning to Cuba with their earnings. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, ensuring that H-2B visas for Cuban professional baseball players cannot be denied under that authority. These waivers apply despite certain restrictions in the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996. The legislation also clarifies that such visas permit a stay only for the duration of the baseball season and do not require renewal for subsequent entries if the player maintains a valid contract with the same professional team.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.