Sen. Klobuchar leads effort in U.S. Senate to lift Cuba trade embargo

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Star Tribune

Sen. Klobuchar leads effort in U.S. Senate to lift Cuba trade embargo
Article by: ALLISON SHERRY , Star Tribune
Updated: February 13, 2015 - 12:53 AM

Minnesota delegation eyes ag, tourism perks.



WASHINGTON – Sen. Amy Klobuchar said on Thursday she is leading a band of senators to lift the Cuban trade embargo — legislation that would eliminate all existing legal barriers for Americans to do business in Cuba.

The proposal builds on a growing set of measures emerging from both chambers since President Obama in December took executive action to open up business, trade and travel relationships with the island 90 miles south of Florida.

“There’s been a sea change in terms of how people are thinking about Cuba,” Klobuchar said Thursday. “I think it’s really important to get people from the Midwest involved. Our interests are different than some of the other people traditionally involved in this issue. … We come at it from a production perspective, from the perspective of wanting to sell things there.”

Minnesota’s delegation, sensing opportunities for the state’s agricultural interests and a desire among city folk to travel to the island, has fingerprints all over efforts to crack open Cuba.

National polls have shown growing support for ending the embargo. Democratic Reps. Collin Peterson, Rick Nolan and Keith Ellison are pushing an effort in the House, and Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum visited the country last summer and recently reintroduced legislation to end funding for American propaganda aimed at Cuban television and radio networks.


Read more: http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/291787771.html

[DFW]

1. This is SO overdue, it's ridiculous

Last edited Fri Feb 13, 2015, 10:19 AM - Edit history (1)

It has been several decades since J. Edgar was concerned about Fidel sending Che Guevara to overthrow the Federal Government.

It has been less than 15 years since Saudi-financed maniacs carried out the 9/11 attacks, but we are apparently still cool with buying a few billion in oil from them every year.

I can't believe Amy Klobuchar is the only one in the US Senate with this perspective. You gotta think that even the Utah Republicans who represent Marriott must be under pressure to get this done. Whichever top US hotel chain gets in there first will make a fortune, and the Cubans will reap jobs and taxes as well. Use it or lose it.

[kickysnana]

2. +1

[Adrahil]

5. It certainly is.

The BS anti-commie crusades of the late 20th century have to stop. We need to work with those willing to work (and trade) with us. We should be focusing on increased international cooperation and not perpetuating failed cold war policies that benefit no one.

[Cha]

3. Thanks Obama & Amy! Mahalo JL~

[DFW]

4. We could even teach them how to start using consonants again.

Instead of trying to figure out each time that "oye u, e oy u-ao, u a eh?" means "Oye, tu, que soy cubano, ¿tu sabes?"

[jwirr]

6. Good for her. This has needed to be done a long time ago.

[father founding]

7. Theres Gold in them hills !

There is a fortune to be made here and you know who is going to make it, the usual suspects.

[TheNutcracker]

8. This is the woman I wanted to see run for President as Liz is not running.