WASHINGTON, DC - Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump announced he is reimposing commercial restrictions on Cuba previously lifted by President Barack Obama:
“President Trump’s rollback on commercial dealings with Cuba is an ill-advised move that reverts to the failed policies of the past. We have more than fifty years of experience demonstrating that imposing sanctions without the support of our allies does not work in Cuba. The best way to improve the protection of human rights in Cuba is to proactively engage with their government and promote an open economy. Instead, President Trump has offered the Castro regime an excuse to continue its repressive practices. The repercussions of today’s move will also have negative economic consequences in both countries. Not only will American workers and businesses miss out on opportunities in Cuba, but the livelihoods of the Cuban people will be diminished. Hundreds of Cuban jobs that resulted from U.S. business and tourism to Cuba will all but disappear. The best way to achieve a constructive outcome with Cuba is to engage, not turn our back."
