By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
Legislation has been reintroduced to lift the Cuba trade embargo.
A bipartisan effort to reopen trade with Cuba has been brought back by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The legislation, Freedom to Export to Cuba Act, would remove existing legal barriers for business between the U.S. and Cuba.
“Instead of looking to the future, U.S.-Cuba policy has been defined for far too long by conflicts of the past,” Klobuchar said. “Lifting the trade embargo will open the door to a huge export market, create jobs here at home and support both the American and Cuban economies.”
The proposed legislation looks to develop economic opportunities for American business and farmers by increasing U.S. exports. Agricultural imports are needed to feed the 11 million people in Cuba and the 3.5 million visitors, Klobuchar said.
Ending the embargo could mean $2 billion annually for American farmers and ranchers, Klobuchar said.
The current embargo has not been effective for either country, Enzi said.
“This bipartisan legislation would benefit the people in America and in Cuba,” he said. “It would provide new opportunities for American businesses, farmers and ranchers. We need dialogue and the exchange of ideas and commerce that would help move Cuba forward.”
Tensions between the two countries began in 1959 when Fidel Castro came into power in Cuba. The situation escalated over the next few years, resulting in former President John F. Kennedy imposing the embargo in 1962.
Many believe the embargo is no longer needed.
“Lifting the embargo will put more food on the plates of the Cuban people, allow them to access quality U.S. products and encourage reforms in Cuba’s economy, all while benefiting American companies,” Leahy said.
Who is kidding who?
I don’t buy into this legislation benefitting the USA farmers and ranchers, never have. Where is Cuba going to get the money, that Cuba doesn’t have? Credit!
We are and have been trading with Cuba. But, only on a cash basis under the embargo.
What now, credit and free welfare for the Communist government of Cuba?
I don’t want any part of it and as a TFB member, I urge Farm Bureau to not support this legislation.