Dear Senators Frist and Daschle:
We are writing to inform you of our intention to launch the Senate WorkingGroup on Cuba. The Working Group will examine U.S. policies toward Cuba, includingcurrent trade and travel restrictions.
The sanction policy of the United States has been ineffective since it was adoptedin 1962. Other nation’s trade with Cuba and their producers benefit from that trade. TheU.S. policy places our farmers, workers, and companies at an international competitivedisadvantage. By some estimates, the United States loses out on an export market ofnearly $1 billion per year.
Current U.S. policy also hinders our ability to interact with the Cuban people byrestricting American citizens’ right to travel to Cuba. We believe that the Americanpeople can have greater influence on Cuban society by developing a relationship with theCuban people. That is the only way to influence the peaceful transition to democracy anda market-oriented economy.
We are pleased with the formation of this group and look forward to working withyou on matters related to Cuba.
Sincerely,
Max Baucus
Michael Enzi Byron Dorgan
Chuck Hagel Maria Cantwell
Norm Coleman Blanche Lincoln
Jim Talent Jeff Bingaman
Pat Roberts
