Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amendment to permit American farmers to help alleviate hunger in Cuba. As one of the co-chairs of the Bipartisan Cuba Working Group, I thank Congresswoman Tlaib for offering it, and I thank the Speaker and my working group co-chair, Chairman Jim McGovern for making it in order. After more than six decades, the U.S. embargo on Cuba has accomplished nothing except to cause suffering among the Cuban people. This policy is a complete failure. And yet it continues, a policy that divides families and hurts working people in Cuba. This amendment would permit American farmers to help alleviate the current hunger crisis in Cuba that is made worse by COVID and our embargo. In one fell swoop, we could show that America puts humanitarian values first, and head off competition from countries like China who seek to make inroads in our hemisphere. This amendment is good for American farmers, good for the Cuban people, and good for healing Cuban-American families divided by misguided U.S. policy. I urge my colleagues to vote yes. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”