Philadelphia City Council urges end to U.S. sanctions on Cuba; resolution adopted

Philadelphia City Council on May 21 adopted a resolution urging the U.S. administration to remove Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list and calling on Congress to lift economic sanctions, after a lengthy public comment period that split community speakers.

The measure, introduced on the final-passage calendar as Resolution 260545, passed by voice vote after Councilman Nicholas Oor moved adoption; the clerk recorded one vocal opposition from Councilmember Brian O'Neal. The resolution asks federal officials to change U.S. policy toward Cuba and to end sanctions that speakers said are producing humanitarian harm.

Supporters during public comment described direct observations of shortages and damage to health care access. "Over 100,000 people are waiting for surgery," said Renee Quarterman, a surgical breast oncologist and organizer with Philadelphia for Cuba, who recounted humanitarian missions to the island and urged council to endorse the resolution. David Anker, who said he had traveled to Cuba dozens of times because family lives there, urged the council to "help Philadelphia shine on this topic" and adopt the resolution.

Opponents argued the council should focus on local problems, not foreign-policy matters. "Philadelphia residents are struggling every single day," said William Small of Flip Philly Red, who testified in opposition and said residents want the city government to prioritize neighborhood safety and services over symbolic international statements.

Proponents argued sanctions have broad humanitarian consequences. "Cuban scientists invented medications to treat lung cancer, diabetic ulcers, and Alzheimer's disease," Quarterman said during testimony. Multiple speakers, including Mille Galves A Costa and Jack Maruse, described long power outages, medical shortages and rising infant mortality they attribute to the embargo.

Mayor-transmitted communications earlier in the session also included administrative items such as land-bank disposals and the city’s adoption of a 2026 hazard mitigation plan; council members noted those procedural matters before the public comment period.

After the vote, Council President Johnson announced the motion carried and the resolution was adopted. The resolution is advisory to federal actors and does not change city law or appropriations.

What’s next: The resolution is a formal city statement urging federal action. There is no administrative follow-up recorded in the council action; any federal response would come from the Administration or Congress.

Sources: Testimony and proceedings recorded in the city council session on May 21, 2026. Direct quotes are attributed to speakers who spoke at that session.