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Plans to relax the
blockade of Cuba continue in the U.S. Congress
WASHINGTON, October 31, (PL).—Both
Democrats and Republicans in Congress are persisting with attempts to relax
the U.S. blockade of Cuba in spite of the White House reiterating its
intention to veto any such initiative.
A new bill to lift restrictions on
travel, extend the Cuban people’s access to food and medicines, and offer
scholarships to the island’s citizens was presented yesterday by Democrat
José Serrano and Republican James Leach, with the backing of 41 legislators.
According to Serrano, the bill "Bridges
for the Cuban people" is an expansion of one presented in the last
legislative session, which had the support of 111 legislators.
He explained that it was not about
lifting the blockade imposed on
Cuba for more than 40 years, but to allow
the export of food and medicines from the United States to the island by
eliminating the commercial restrictions currently in place.
A bicameral group is presently trying to
find a solution to an amendment introduced into the budget bill for the
Treasury and Transportation departments in an attempt to axe government
funds designed to prevent travel to
Cuba.
In that context, Republican Senator
Richard Shelby, one of the principal negotiators on that panel and an
opponent of the amendment on
Cuba, warned that the group is aware of
the veto threat assured by President Bush, according to
USA Today.
The new initiative presented by Serrano
and Leach favors the export of the majority of
U.S. agricultural produce and equipment,
as well as pharmaceuticals and other items of personal hygiene in short
supply in Cuba.
Serrano stated that the initiative would
help to build bridges and lead to a trade increase for
U.S. farmers and manufacturers. He added
that restrictions on trade and travel have only harmed the Cuban people and
U.S. traders and tourists.
The bill he is sponsoring also attempts
to facilitate security checks on certain visitors to the
Cuba, such as doctors, professional
artists, religious leaders, scientists and academics.
Other provisions favor greater cultural
and artistic changes between the two peoples.
Analysts consider that the bill will add
to the growth of
U.S. politicians against the blockade on
account of it being a policy that has failed for more than 40 years. |