July 01, 2015

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Opening of U.S. Embassy in Havana

Oakland, CA – Today, following President Barack Obama’s announcement of the reciprocal opening of embassies in Havana and Washington D.C., Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement:

“The opening of a U.S. embassy in Havana and the opening of a Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. is another important step forward as we work to normalize relations after more than 50 years of failed policy.

By taking this action, our President continues to lead by example as we strive to build a more productive relationship between our two nations.

Now it is time for Congress to follow the President’s lead. I am glad to be co-sponsoring The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act (H.R. 664) and Free Trade with Cuba Act (H.R. 403) to forge a new path forward.

It’s past time to end the failed embargo, lift the travel ban and fully normalize relations between our two countries.”

Read Congresswoman Lee’s OpEd on U.S.-Cuba relations.

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.