LAWMAKERS CALL FOR NEW CUBA POLICY
News Date March 03, 2008
A bipartisan group of 24 senators have sent a letter to the administration requesting a reassessment of current U.S. policy toward Cuba and to allow new economic partnerships. The letter was prompted by the recent resignation of Cuban President Fidel Castro.
The lawmakers noted that current policy deprives the U.S. of influence in Cuba including the opportunity to promote principles that advance democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The letter says that restricting the ability of U.S. farmers, ranchers, and businesses to trade with Cuba, has made the U.S. irrelevant in Cuba's growing economy, allowing Cuba to build economic partnerships elsewhere. The letter was sent to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and signed by a number of farm state senators. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)