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Washington, D.C. - Following the President’s announcement nominating Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis as the U.S. Ambassador to Cuba, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the below statement:

“For the past 50 years, the United States’ relationship with Cuba has been one of isolation – and after five decades, it is clear this policy has been a failure. We have made impressive strides during the 114th Congress to normalize relations with Cuba, and having Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis as the first U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in more than five decades would further these efforts. This move will advance the United States’ goal of protecting our economic and national security interests, as well as empower an advocate who fully embodies our nation’s strong support for improved human rights in Cuba. Mr. DeLaurentis has an impressive resume working with Cuba and throughout Latin America and I am confident he will be successful in fostering U.S. interests with this island nation. I applaud this progress and urge the Senate to confirm this nomination.”

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