MIAMI — Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida, the "freest state in the country," stands with Cubans fighting for freedom in their country.
And, he's calling on support from the Biden administration, saying their response so far has been "pathetic."
In July, the Biden administration imposed new sanctions on Cuba over human rights abuses as one of several steps the president says is meant to raise pressure on the communist regime.
“The Cuban people have the same right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as all people,” Biden said in July.
DeSantis' remarks came as he and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez spoke Monday in South Florida.
Both DeSantis and Nuñez criticized the Biden administration's lack of action on the matter while saying the "free state of Florida" is fully-supportive of Cuban freedom.
DeSantis and Nuñez spoke at the Freedom Tower in Miami. Dubbed the "Ellis Island" for many Cubans seeking refuge in the U.S., DeSantis says it's time to restore the building.
To do that, DeSantis says he plans to propose $25 million for restoration during January's upcoming legislative session.
DeSantis has butted heads frequently with the Biden administration. Most recently, the governor announced he is suing the president's administration over its federal vaccine mandate for mid-size and large companies.
While the lawsuit will not be directly discussed, it plays a large role in why DeSantis called for a special legislative session, which begins Monday.
DeSantis earlier this month confirmed he's running for reelection as Florida's governor in 2022.
But in the meantime, DeSantis is championing a five-day special session in Tallahassee on vaccine mandates. He says it's about protecting Floridians' right to choose whether or not they want to get vaccinated against the virus. Lawmakers will discuss a handful of bills already filed.
"Your right to earn a living should not be contingent upon COVID shots," DeSantis said upon the announcement of the special session in October.