Congresswoman Lee Statement on Travel Warning & U.S. Embassy Drawdown in Cuba
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Lee released the following statement on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s announcement removing personnel from the U.S. embassy in Cuba and issuing a travel warning for Americans:
“The safety and security of Foreign Service personnel must always be our priority, regardless of where they serve. I appreciate the cooperation of the Cuban government in the investigation of attacks on U.S. diplomats and their families and I strongly support efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
“Today’s announcement suspending visa processing and consular services indefinitely is an overreaction that will only serve to harm Cuban and American families. Especially in light of the recent hurricanes affecting the region, the United States government should be doing everything in our power to ensure loved ones can reach each other in their time of need. Similarly, the travel warning issued by the State Department is an overly-broad and unnecessary response. Instead, the State Department should be developing contingency plans so that families can continue to travel from Cuba safely.
“It is my hope that responsible diplomacy will prevail, so we can get to the bottom of these attacks. I will continue to urge this Administration to reject the extreme calls within its party to further escalate tensions, and instead work to protect diplomatic ties with Cuba. We simply cannot afford to return to the failed Cold War policies that divided our nations and families for far too long.”
###