On the recordJanuary 13, 2015
For more than four decades the United States has pursued a policy of an embargo against our neighboring nation to the south, Cuba. President Obama has taken the first steps towards moving towards the end of isolating the Cuban people and the Cuban nation. I applaud his efforts to reengage in a diplomatic way and through tourism with the country of Cuba. Clearly the policy of an embargo has failed to bring down the regime of Fidel and Raul Castro. Let's instead try a policy of engagement where the ideas of democracy and human rights can spread across Cuba and across much of the world after the ending of the cold war. The time for the embargo is over. I call upon Congress to continue to pursue a repeal of the embargo and establishment of normal trade and diplomatic relations with the nation of Cuba so we can continue to, where appropriate, criticize their human rights record and engage them in respecting the rights of all people, and in trade, create jobs on both sides. ____________________
