Schakowsky Statement on Breakthrough in U.S.-Cuban Relations

Statement

Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement in response to President Obama's announcement of significant changes to U.S.-Cuban relations:

"I am so pleased to see that Alan Gross has arrived safely on American soil after five years of imprisonment. I strongly support President Obama's announcement that U.S.-Cuban relations will be changing dramatically over the next several months.

Our nation's long standing Cuba policy has never been effective and is very outdated. I applaud President Obama for working diligently to find a new path forward.

I share the Obama Administration's steadfast commitment to democracy, human rights and civil society, and I believe that today's announcement can and will promote their growth in Cuba.

Today's move is important for establishing diplomatic relations, expanding the Cuban peoples' access to the internet, and increasing economic engagement (important for U.S. businesses including Illinois agricultural companies). These will all help empower the Cuban population and promote democracy in the region.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming months to build upon these important shifts in policy."

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