John Joseph Moakley: “Mr. Speaker, the bill for which this rule provides consideration addresses some very valid security concerns in Cuba.…”

“Mr. Speaker, the bill for which this rule provides consideration addresses some very valid security concerns in Cuba. However, Mr. Speaker, I think they could be addressed in a better way. I believe the best way to engage Cuba is first to lift the food and medicine embargo, and then to open up trade and commercial dialogue. In all likelihood, the approach this bill takes will not adequately address American security concerns. Instead, it will further isolate Cuba, which will make it even more susceptible to outside influences other than ours. My colleagues say that the way to improve human rights in China is to expand trade, an open dialogue. I say we should do the same in Cuba. Mr. Speaker, when I was in Cuba just a few months ago our chief of mission, which would be our ambassador if we recognized Cuba, told me that her diplomats never have any face-to-face discussions with Cuban officials. They just do not talk. It is much harder to stay enemies with someone that you actually talk with. The United States is the last country on Earth that still is not talking to Cuba. I suspect that this adds to our problems greatly, because, Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues probably know, the Cold War actually ended 9 years ago. Russia is no longer the Soviet Union. In fact, it is no longer Communist.”