Cuba Legislation Introduced in House and Senate

May 21, 2004

Cuba Legislation Introduced in House and Senate
May 21, 2004 – Lawmakers introduced legislation to the House and Senate on Thursday that would require Congressional approval in order to continue sanctions and travel restrictions against Cuba.

According to a news release put out by the Senate, The "Cuba Sanctions Reform Act of 2004" is modeled after Burma legislation enacted last year. It would allow all current sanctions against Cuba, including trade and travel, to expire in one year, unless renewed by Congress.

"The bill we’ve introduced today takes a middle-ground, common sense approach," said Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.). "Our bill would not life the embargo; it would simply give Congress and the American people a say in the process. I’m proud to be working closely with Members from both Houses of Congress to keep up our drumbeat on the need to lift the antiquated, ineffective sanctions against Cuba."

Recommendations were released last week by the Administration that would tighten the restrictions against Cuba. Such restrictions include further limiting the small remittances that Cuban-Americans are allowed to send to their families and limiting how often they may visit. Many of these new travel and remittance restrictions are scheduled to take effect June 1, which would not allow Congress time for comment.

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