Jeff Flake: “I wish we were debating that. I think that is the policy we should have. But we are not. This is a very narrow debate on…”

“I wish we were debating that. I think that is the policy we should have. But we are not. This is a very narrow debate on a very specific issue. The only difference I would have with the comments of the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) is that many Republicans share this view. In fact, I think over 60, 2 years ago, or 50 or so Republicans voted for the Flake amendment to allow all travel, to allow freedom of all people to travel, and I assume the vote will be even larger among Republicans today. I too am struck by this amendment and what is termed arrogance. I am called arrogant, I guess, because I assume that Cuban American families ought to decide for themselves whether they should travel. That is not arrogance. It is not arrogance to assume that I do not represent all Cuban Americans. I do not represent very many. There are some in my district; some who have contacted me; some who do want to travel.”