Cubans applaud rolling back US family travel rules

[Judi Lynn]

Mar 11, 4:10 PM EDT

Cubans applaud rolling back US family travel rules

By WILL WEISSERT
Associated Press Writer

HAVANA (AP) -- Cubans say Washington's easing of travel and spending restrictions for Cuban-Americans visiting the communist island will be a boon to small business and a key step toward warmer relations with the United States.

Juan Carlos Piedra will be able to see his brother, who lives in Florida, more often. Just as important, he expects more business at his little Don Lorenzo restaurant in a crumbling corner of central Havana.

"We have a lot of neighbors who have family abroad. When their relatives visit, they bring them here," said the 53-year-old restaurant owner.

The U.S. Senate late Tuesday approved a $410 billion spending bill that rolls back Bush administration restrictions on Cuban-Americans visiting relatives - effectively increasing allowable trips to once a year and spending to $179 a day.

The bill, which already passed the House of Representatives, was expected to be signed by President Barack Obama Wednesday. It also removes limits on how long people can stay in Cuba.

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