Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) re-introduced the Cuba Trade Act to lift the Cuba embargo. This legislation would allow businesses in the private sector to trade freely with Cuba, while prohibiting taxpayer funds to be used on promotion or development of this new market.
“Over the past two years, the United States has taken steps away from a failed policy of isolation and towards normalizing relations with our neighbor just 90 miles off our Florida coast,” said Emmer. “In the 115th Congress we have a real opportunity to continue these efforts to strengthen our national security, open new markets, and empower the Cuban people with human rights and real economic reforms. It is time for the halls of Congress to reflect the views of more than 70% of the American people who favor ending the trade embargo, and we look forward to doing just that.”
“The Cuba Trade Act would lift the outdated economic embargo, continue the normalization process and open new business opportunities to benefit the people of the United States and Cuba,” said Castor. “My neighbors, business leaders, faith leaders and others in the Tampa community have been at the forefront of positive change in America’s relationship with the Cuban people. We must turn the page on the Cold War policies of the past and build new bridges for jobs and economic opportunities for both nations and continued improvements in human rights for the Cuban people.”
Last month, Emmer, Castor and their colleagues of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group sent a letter to President-elect Trump to encourage continued U.S. engagement efforts with Cuba.
The Cuba Trade Act is H.R. 442.
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