Bill Nelson: “I rise to oppose suspending the rules to take up the Dorgan amendment to revise rules on family travel to Cuba. I have…”

“I rise to oppose suspending the rules to take up the Dorgan amendment to revise rules on family travel to Cuba. I have always supported a strong economic embargo against Cuba, as well as a ban on tourist travel to the island. I believe it is in our national interest to keep the pressure on the Cuban dictatorship, and not give Fidel Castro access to resources that make it easier for him to oppress the Cuban people. At the same time, how we treat Cuban-Americans during their moments of family tragedy reflects on our character as a Nation. We should ensure that our policy demonstrates compassion for these fellow citizens in their moments of grief. I have many constituents who have faced such wrenching circumstances in their lives. Unfortunately, my colleague from North Dakota is proposing a fairly significant change in U.S. foreign policy as part of an unrelated appropriations bill. In order for us to take up the amendment, the Senate would have to vote to suspend its own rules that ban legislating on an appropriations bill. I am not opposed to a debate about whether our current policies on Cuban-Americans' ability to travel to see their relatives may be too restrictive and whether they are in need of adjustments. But if we are to have such a debate, my colleagues in the Senate deserve enough time to consider fully such a major change in U.S. foreign policy.…”