Bipartisan legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) would lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba and enable private businesses to freely trade with the island country.
The Cuba Trade Act would enable private businesses to trade with Cuba, but the legislation would prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to help develop or promote these new markets.
“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,” Emmer said. “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 Congress to reflect the views of more than 70 percent of the American people who favor ending the trade embargo, Emmer added.
Last month, Emmer joined a bipartisan call for President Donald Trump to continue U.S. engagement efforts with Cuba.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), who introduced the bill with Emmer, said the measure would lift an outdated economic embargo, continue the normalization process and create new business opportunities.
“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,” Castor said. “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.”