DeLauro Statement on Trump Administration’s Rollback of Cuba Policies

WASHINGTON, DC (June 16, 2017) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding President Trump's announced changes to U.S.-Cuba relations. DeLauro is a founding member of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group, which convenes meetings with leading experts on Cuba and foreign affairs, hosts policy roundtables and discussions, and seeks to draw attention to how reforms in the U.S. and Cuba are opening new opportunities for commercial, diplomatic, and people-to-people relationships.

"I am extremely disappointed in the President Trump's plans to revisit the failed policies of Cuban isolationism. I have visited Cuba both before and after we began normalization of relations, and I had the opportunity to meet directly with civil society, small business owners, and faith leaders.

"Overwhelmingly, the Cubans I met with expressed hope for a new future, and the policies put in place over the past two years were designed to help the Cuban people access the trade, telecommunications networks, and financing they need to spur private sector growth. Fueling historic levels of private sector growth on the island, American tourists and businesses have allowed Cuban citizens to experience the economic and democratic liberties we all deserve to enjoy.

"Rolling back the progress we have already made toward normalizing U.S.-Cuba relations is the wrong path forward for both countries. American interests are best served by meaningful engagement with Cuba, and the President's proposals are harmful to American businesses and U.S. leadership in the region. We cannot go back to the failed Cold War policies that restrict travel, undermine American values, and suppress economic growth in both nations. The President's announcement today is not just a step back for the American people, but for democracy abroad.

"American and Cuban citizens deserve the security of a stable bilateral relationship. And the normalization process is overwhelmingly popular with Americans—even two thirds of Republicans support relaxing the trade embargo with Cuba. Both American and Cuban interests are better served with deeper engagement with our neighbors, not less, and I urge the President to reconsider his approach."

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