A bill 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 Paya Way".

# Summary of S 218: Oswaldo Payá Way Designation **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would rename a street segment in Washington, D.C. in honor of Oswaldo Payá, a Cuban pro-democracy activist. Specifically, it would designate the area between the intersections of 16th Street, Northwest and Fuller Street, Northwest and 16th Street, Northwest and Euclid Street, Northwest as "Oswaldo Payá Way." The designated street is located in front of the Cuban embassy in the nation's capital. **Who It Affects and Why** The bill primarily affects Washington, D.C. residents and visitors to that area of the city, as it would change the name of a public space.

Oswaldo Payá was a Cuban dissident who advocated for democratic reforms in Cuba and died in a disputed car accident in 2012. The bill honors his legacy as a pro-democracy activist, reflecting broader U.S. policy positions regarding democracy and human rights in Cuba. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in the 119th Congress and remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.