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“PROMOTING AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL EXPORTS TO CUBA ACT OF 2007” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1552 on July 18, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PROMOTING AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL EXPORTS TO CUBA ACT OF 2007
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HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in Congress to lend support to The Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2007 (H.R. 2819). This bill addresses several important issues related to our relationship with Cuba and is intended to remove obstacles to legitimate transactions.
First, it removes pre-payment requirement for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. It also allows for direct payments to U.S. banks for purchases by Cuba, instead of third-country banks. From 2000 to 2004, American agricultural producers were allowed to embark on a trading relationship with Cuba. During the 4 year period, agricultural trade with Cuba grew from nothing to being a $380 million dollar trading industry. However through sanctions placed by the administration, this lucrative trading relationship was terminated after the administration placed barriers. Our American agricultural producers have potential to gain much-needed sales revenue in the Cuban market. Our agricultural sector has recently experienced declining sales numbers. Cuba, a new trading partner, will be a good customer and revitalize this area. It seems illogical that while other nations are taking advantage of this lucrative trading opportunity, the administration is denying us access to this opportunity. This bill is about America's right to prosper by participating and competing in international trade.
This legislation provides for the lift of the travel ban and also for the expedited issuance of U.S. visas for Cubans involved in agricultural purchases. As Americans, we pride ourselves on how our liberties are protected and respected by our government. However, banning American citizens to travel to Cuba is a blatant infringement on our democratic freedom to travel without restrictions. It is not appropriate for the government to prevent citizens to visit Cuba. Also, Cuban Americans should have the right to visit their native country without limitations placed on them. Scholars, architects, travelers and students should have an opportunity for cultural exchanges with Cuba.
Another provision included in the bill would eliminate on-site verification requirements for U.S. medicines and medical supplies, which currently is a major impediment on sales. This restriction makes the process of exporting medical goods more costly and difficult.
This act would recognize certain Cuban trademarks, while protecting U.S. trademarks there, by repealing Section 211 of the FY 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which bars U.S. courts from hearing claims by foreign nationals asserting rights to trademarks similar to or associated with expropriated property. Section 211 currently violates the regulations of the World Trade Organization. Cuba has recently threatened to not uphold trademark protection for American companies because of the unfair balance between our country and theirs.
Finally, it also provides proceeds to fund an agricultural export promotion program for agricultural export promotion activities with respect to Cuba during a 5 year period. It is imperative that we find new markets to income opportunities for our farming community; therefore, this bill provides for support of an Agricultural Export Promotion Program with respect to Cuba to be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This bill would allow us to achieve this.
It is time to depart from our flawed foreign policy on Cuba and normalize our relations with this nation. I strongly urge you to join me in Promoting the American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act in 2007.
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