Congressman Introduces Three Bills To Encourage Better Ties Between Two Countries

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel, a strong proponent of normalizing U.S.-Cuban relationship, today introduced three pieces of legislation aimed to allow the free exchange of people, goods and ideas between the two countries. The bills follow Cuba's recent announcement of its new economic guidelines legalizing the sale of real estate and cars and expanding private cooperatives that could open commerce for the long-isolated Caribbean nation.

"For too long our country has adhered to failed and outdated policies toward Cuba that have benefited neither the United States nor the people of Cuba," said Congressman Rangel. "With the passage of these bills, we will be able to fundamentally reshape our foreign policy toward our closest Caribbean neighbor."

Rangel's three bills introduced today include H.R. 1886 - Export Freedom to Cuba Act, H.R. 1887 - Free Trade with Cuba Act, and H.R. 1888 - Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act, Collectively, these Acts will lift travel restrictions on Cuba, open trade between the U.S. and Cuba, and increase exports to the island nation.

According to a 2009 U.S. International Trade Commission Report, the effect of lifting trade restrictions on Cuba would increase U.S. exports to that nation from approximately $924 billion to $1.2 trillion, an increase of anywhere from $216 to $478 million dollars. The boost to tourism and travel as a result of lifting travel limits would significantly increase Cuban demand for agricultural and commercial products and allow for the purchase of more U.S. products, according to the report.

"We should embrace Cuba's steps to open their economy with the outside world," Rangel stated. "Facilitating American exports to Cuba will do more than just gain revenue from a profitable, new source. We will be able to transmit American culture, ideals and democracy through this relationship. I hope that these bills will fix a policy that has been broken for years."

The Free Trade With Cuba Act of 2011

Established in 1962, the trade embargo on Cuba represents a glaring inconsistency in U.S. foreign policy. While foreign competitors are increasing trade with Cuba, the United States is falling behind at a time when our country should be seeking new ways to increase commerce and trade. Accordingly, the Free Trade With Cuba Act of 2011, which is being reintroduced from Congress's previous session:

• Ends all aspects and provisions of the United States' trade embargo on Cuba

The Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2011

American agricultural goods accounted for nearly $750 million dollars of total Cuban agricultural imports from 2000-2008, and represented 35% of all Cuban agricultural imports from 2003-2008. The growing importation of American goods by Cuba should lead the United States to increase exports to a nation that has a demonstrated demand for American goods. Reintroduced from the 111th Congress, The Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act provides for:

• Increase export of US agricultural products to Cuba
• Authorize direct transfers between Cuban and U.S financial institutions
• Facilitate issuance of visas to Cuban officials for inspecting U.S. facilities
• Lift all travel restrictions to Cuba
• Removal of impediments to the export to Cuba of medical devices and medicines

The Export Freedom to Cuba Act of 2011

• The travel restrictions on Cuba prevent not just the free flow of people, goods, and ideas, but are preventing a potentially booming tourist industry from taking root and creating jobs. The bill--which is being reintroduced from Congress's previous session--provides for:
• Allowing travel of all US citizens and legal residents to Cuba for any reason