errano Applauds Loosening Of Cuba Family Travel

Press Release

errano Applauds Loosening Of Cuba Family Travel

Congressman José E. Serrano today applauded the Obama Administration's implementation of new reduced restrictions on family travel and sending support to relatives in Cuba.

“Early this year, when we passed the provisions in my annual spending bill loosening restrictions on family travel to Cuba, I was sending a strong signal that relations between our two nations were going to move in a new direction. Today the Obama Administration has made these reforms a permanent part of federal regulation, along with other new rule changes, including a loosening of restrictions on what can be sent to people on the island, in terms of money and goods. This is a huge step toward a more humane policy that supports families and helps begin to heal the wounds of our long, antagonistic history.

“For too long the U.S. policy has choked off support to the very people it purports to help: the Cubans still on the island. While a small set of hardliners may favor this approach, it has no support in the public at large. Very few Americans support policies that split up families, and keep loved ones from supporting one another. I applaud President Obama for moving our nation in a new direction.

“I urge the Administration to build on this step, and further engage Cuba in respectful dialogue. It is time that our nations begin to reconcile and move away from antagonism and mutual distrust. I applaud the steps taken today by the Administration, and look forward to more positive engagement in the future, whether it is initiated through my annual spending bill or by other means.”

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