Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Historic Step to Normalize Relations with Cuba
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the President’s historic announcement on Cuba. Congresswoman Lee recently returned from leading a congressional delegation to the island:
“I applaud the President for his historic step towards normalizing relations with our neighbor. In the more than fifty years since the embargo began, U.S. policy towards Cuba has been an unpopular failure and it is past time for change.
I have traveled to Cuba more than 20 times since 1977 and returned last night from leading a Congressional delegation to examine diabetes care and treatment.
By moving towards normalized relations with Cuba, the U.S. has the opportunity to work towards a more productive relationship that benefits both the American and Cuban people.
Americans should have the freedom to travel to Cuba and I am glad to see the President making it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba. I will continue to work with President Obama, the Administration and my colleagues to end U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba.
Now it is time for Congress to act to fully normalize relations by ending the embargo.”
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Congresswoman Lee has traveled to Cuba more than 20 times since 1977. Earlier this week, Congresswoman Lee led her most recent Congressional delegation to examine diabetes care and treatment in Cuba. She has met with Alan Gross more than four times in the effort to support his release. Congresswoman Lee has helped lead Congressional efforts to end the U.S.’s failed policies toward Cuba, including offering numerous amendments, and legislation. Congresswoman Lee most recently sent a letter to the President just last week calling for U.S. participation in the 7th Summit of the Americas and normalizing relations.