H.R. 4558: To designate the area between the intersections of 16th Street Northwest and Fuller Street Northwest and 16th Street Northwest and Euclid Street Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, as “Oswaldo Payá Way”.

This bill aims to officially name a specific area in Washington, D.C., as "Oswaldo Payá Way." The designated area is located between the intersections of 16th Street Northwest at Fuller Street Northwest and 16th Street Northwest at Euclid Street Northwest. In addition to the street designation, the bill includes several findings that highlight the legacy of Oswaldo Payá, a Cuban political dissident and activist known for advocating for democratic freedoms and human rights in Cuba.

Findings of the Bill

The bill outlines several key findings regarding the historical and political context of Cuba:

• The communist regime in Cuba, initiated by Fidel Castro's revolution in 1959, has resulted in ongoing dictatorship and human rights abuses.
• Oswaldo Payá was recognized for his dedication to promoting democratic freedoms in Cuba.
• The Cuban regime has historically perceived democratic activists as threats to its authority.
• Payá died in a suspicious car crash in 2012, which many believe was orchestrated by the Cuban government.
• The official investigation into his death has been criticized as compromised, with calls for an independent inquiry remaining unfulfilled.
• Payá actively opposed the Communist Party from a young age, enduring persecution as a result.
• He launched the "Varela Project" in 1998, which sought to promote civil liberties and democratic reforms in Cuba.
• His efforts earned him several accolades, including the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought and nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.
• The Senate previously recognized Payá's legacy and advocated for a transparent investigation into his death in 2018.
• Naming the street in front of the Cuban Embassy is seen as a gesture of support for the Cuban people's ongoing struggle for human rights.

Designation of Oswaldo Payá Way

The legislation formally designates the following:

• The area described will be known as "Oswaldo Payá Way" in official references, including legal documents and maps.
• The specific address of 2630 16th Street Northwest will be redesignated as 2630 Oswaldo Payá Way, with all official references updated accordingly.
• The District of Columbia will erect two street signs displaying the name "Oswaldo Payá Way" at the designated intersections. These signs will be designed similarly to those indicating Metro station locations.

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