Political Quotes

On the recordJuly 15, 2010
I have come to the floor many times to speak out about the Castro regime's abuses of the Cuban people. Today, I come to the floor once again, this time in strong opposition to any attempt in this Chamber to pass any bill that in any way lifts or lessens the travel ban on Cuba. I wish to make it absolutely clear that I will oppose and filibuster, if I need to, any effort to ease regulations that stand to enrich a regime that denies its own people basic human rights. The fact is, the big corporate interests behind this misguided attempt to weaken the travel ban could not care less whether the Cuban people are free. They care only about opening a new market and increasing their bottom line. This is about the color of money, not the desire for freedom. The very fact that a travel bill has moved through the House Agriculture Committee makes one wonder why American agricultural interests would even care about tourist travel to Cuba. One can only assume it is about generating increased tourism dollars for the Castro regime to buy more agricultural products. That would only serve to enrich the regime and do absolutely nothing to bring democracy to the island.
Said by
Bob Menendez
Democratic · New Jersey

Editor's note · Context

Menendez opposes efforts to lift the travel ban on Cuba, citing human rights abuses by the Castro regime.

Share

More from Bob Menendez

Feb 5, 2025

I thank my incredible colleague Glenn Ivey for convening us here today and for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with our Nation's Federal workers, including the more than 22,000 who live and work in the…

govinfo.gov
Jul 22, 2024

The training, I think, is probably one of the largest items...

congress.gov
Apr 17, 2024

We do not have any free trade agreements being promoted in the region. We have a behemoth of an economic challenge with China in this region.

congress.gov
Jun 12, 2024

And, listen, the safety is a priority of ours.

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation