Washington DC–Today, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and USA*Engagewelcomed Senate Appropriations Committee approval of a series of positive Cuba amendments.
“We applaud Senators Jerry Moran, Jon Tester and John Boozman for their leadership in sponsoring amendments that build on actions taken by the Administration to improve and strengthen U.S.-Cuba relations,” said Jake Colvin, NFTC Vice President for Global Trade Issues. “We also commend those senators who supported these amendments, which enable increased travel, trade and commerce between the two countries and the American and Cuban people – a priority we have long advocated.”
“Putting the relic of the unilateral U.S. embargo against Cuba behind us is in the strategic interests of both hemispheres, and today, we are pleased to see the Senate Appropriations Committee taking steps toward that ultimate goal,” said Richard Sawaya, Vice President of USA*Engage. “We will continue to work with members of Congress and the Administration to fully reestablish commercial and diplomatic relations with Cuba.”
The three amendments would 1) lift the travel ban to Cuba for one year; 2) end the requirement that ships having docked in Cuba wait 180 days before unloading in the United States; and 3) allow private financing of agricultural exports to Cuba.
About USA*Engage
USA*Engage (www.usaengage.org) is a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations working to seek alternatives to the proliferation of unilateral U.S. foreign policy sanctions and to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. Established in 1997 and organized under the National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org), USA*Engage leads a campaign to inform policymakers, opinion leaders, and the public about the counterproductive nature of unilateral sanctions, the importance of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs, and the role of American companies in promoting human rights and democracy worldwide.
About the NFTC
Serving America’s Global Businesses Since 1914 – The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules- based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.
Follow us on: