Last week, Secretary of State John Kerry made an historic trip to Cuba to re-open the American embassy (check out the Embassy’s website), but the next steps in US-Cuba relations are for Congress to take. For example, some Members of Congress see Cuba as a new market to export food and agriculture. But there are also other interests in developing relations, such as the availability of Cuban-developed drugs. For example, a drug that has saved the limbs of diabetes patients worldwide has been banned in the US, but may become available for clinical trials.
(Photo from the State Dept. blog)
Traveling with Senator Kerry was a bipartisan group of eight Members of Congress: Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA); Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Jeff Flake (R-AZ); and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA); Jim McGovern (D-MA); Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Karen Bass (D-CA). Beyond the Cuban visit, Congress will be responsible for ensuring that the embassy is funded and staffed via the appropriations process. Also, the Senate must confirm the President's nominee for Ambassador to Cuba.
Prior to leaving for recess, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed three amendments to the FY 2016 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill related to Cuba:
- Senator Moran’s Cuba Travel Ban Repeal Amendment: Would lift the travel ban on US citizens to Cuba. “I also believe allowing US citizens to travel to Cuba and engage with Cubans would enhance Cuba’s prospect for freedom, liberty and economic opportunity,” explained the sponsor.
- Senator Tester’s Cuba 180-Day Shipping Prohibition Repeal Amendment: Would repeal the requirement that a vessel entering a port or place in Cuba may not load or unload freight at any place in the United States within 180 days without a license issued by the Secretary of the Treasury. (Read amendment text)
- Senator Boozman’s Cuba Private Credit for Agriculture Amendment: Mirrors legislation he previously introduced: Agricultural Export Expansion Act (HR 3306) “would change a provision in current law, lift the ban on private banks and companies from offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba, and help level the playing field for US farmers and exporters,” according to the sponsors.
Bills Related to US-Cuba Relations
POWER Cuba Act (HR 3306)
Sponsor: Bobby Rush (D-IL) “Would authorize the export of energy resources, energy technologies and related services to Cuba,” according to the bill sponsor. “Would promote market access for the efficient exploration, production, storage, supply and distribution of energy resources to our neighbor 90 miles off the coast of Florida. This would include the exportation of crude oil, as well as American technology and technical assistance in developing Cuba’s clean and renewable energy sectors.” (Read bill text)
Cuba Trade Act (HR 3238 and in the Senate, S 1543)
Sponsor: Tom Emmer (R-MN) “Would lift the Cuba embargo and allow for 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,” according to the bill sponsors. (Read bill text)
Cuba DATA Act (HR 3055 and in the Senate, S 1389)
Sponsor: Kevin Cramer (R-ND) “Would allow US telecommunications and Internet companies to expand their services to and sell their communications devices in Cuba. Cuba is one of the least wired and connected countries in the western hemisphere,” according to the bill sponsor. (Read bill text)
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