July 25, 2019

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds the Introduction of the Bipartisan Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act

Washington, D.C. – In response to the introduction of the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Cuba Working Group, released the following statement:

“As the Co-Chair of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group, I am proud to join Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Tom Emmer (D-MN), and my colleagues today in introducing H.R. 3960, the bipartisan Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act to end restrictions against U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. Every American should have the right to travel freely. Restricting the rights of Americans to travel freely is inconsistent with our values and undercuts efforts to improve the lives of the Cuban people. 

“The Trump Administration’s decision to further restrict U.S. travel to Cuba takes us back down the path to an embargo policy that failed for over 50 years. These restrictions have failed to improve the lives of the Cuban people and undermines U.S. economic interests. 

“An improved relationship between Cuba and the United States, which this bill seeks to accomplish, holds endless opportunities for both the American and Cuban people. It's past time for Congress to end the embargo and lift restrictions on Americans’ right to travel freely to Cuba.”

Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Rick Crawford (AR-01), serve as co-chairs of the Bipartisan Cuba Working Group.

###