Bob Menendez: “I appreciate the fact that even those who have different views as to how we promote democracy in Cuba are willing to…”

“I appreciate the fact that even those who have different views as to how we promote democracy in Cuba are willing to allow resources to have the ability to nurture human rights activists, political dissidents, independent journalists, those who struggle inside Cuba every day to promote civil society and peaceful change in their country which has languished for 48 years under a dictatorship--are willing to allow that to move forward. This is about promoting the opportunities of nurturing those people who risk their life and liberty every day to create change in their country, and in doing so the United States has always been a beacon of light of democracy throughout the world and a strong advocate for human rights. The adoption of the amendment would continue in that fine tradition. I urge our colleagues, when the distinguished Senator from Florida seeks to do so, with hopefully the distinguished acquiescence of the chairman of the committee and ranking Republican, to have the amendment adopted and take advantage of this most propitious and historic moment.”