Dick Durbin: “I regret to say that I was unable to sign the conference report because of specific provisions on Cuba sanctions and…”

“I regret to say that I was unable to sign the conference report because of specific provisions on Cuba sanctions and prescription drug re-importation. Specifically, I am distressed that the conferees did not support the Senate position on lifting food and medicine sanctions against Cuba. The House language limiting U.S. sales to a cash only or third-country financing basis will unnecessarily restrict the sales of food and medicine to Cuba. I am further troubled by the language restricting travel by Americans to Cuba. During the Cold War, Americans were able to travel to the Soviet bloc countries, and if they were kept out, it was by the Communists, not by our own government.”