Helms-Burton Act

The Helms-Burton Act, officially the Cuba Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996, is a U.S. law that strengthens existing sanctions against Cuba. It allows American citizens to sue foreign companies that use property confiscated from them during Cuba's communist revolution. The law aims to pressure the Cuban government to improve human rights and democratization. However, it also extends restrictions on U.S. trade and travel with Cuba, and has been controversial for potentially affecting international relations and affecting businesses abroad.