WASHINGTON, D.C. — Some lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are proposing to make Cuba a U.S. territory.

U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican from Staten Island, said, "It's a real option. It's got to be more thought out." She also stated, "It would be better if Cuba remained a free, sovereign nation, but there could be a match if it's the will of the Cuban people to be part of the United States."

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, did not rule out the idea of a U.S. acquisition of Cuba. Cruz said, "I don't think Cuba becoming a U.S. territory is a likely prospect." He said, "A Cuba with a democratically-elected government that wanted friendly relations would be 'profoundly good' for both countries."

U.S. Representative Carlos Gimenez, who was born in Cuba, called a Puerto Rico-style association with Cuba an option. Puerto Rico is a self-ruling commonwealth whose people are U.S. citizens. Gimenez also called for freedom and democracy in Cuba. Cuba's Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio responded to the proposals, saying, "Cuba's political system is not up for negotiation, and of course neither the president nor the position of any official in Cuba."

The proposals come as Cuba faces challenges. The island nation has suffered massive blackouts since the U.S. cut off its oil supply from Venezuela. Street protests have erupted in Cuba over prolonged blackouts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for new leadership in Cuba.

The U.S. occupied Cuba from 1898 to 1902 after the Spanish American War. The U.S. withdrew recognition of Cuba after the 1959 communist revolution.