House Committee to vote on Cuba travel ban

September 3, 2003
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON --
Despite a presidential veto threat, U.S. House members will try Thursday to weaken the ban on travel to Cuba.

In a flurry of letters to House colleagues Wednesday, lawmakers - including Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass. - said now is the time to invade Cuba with ordinary Americans who can bring new ideas to the country.

But opponents said the amendment, which has passed three years in a row only to be killed during final bill negotiations, will have a tougher road this year because of Fidel Castro's ongoing crackdown on dissidents.

Delahunt and Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., will try to amend the Treasury Department funding bill to prohibit the use of federal funds to enforce the travel ban. Senate appropriators passed similar language earlier this year.

More...
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030903/APN/309031170

Bush will veto

a veto-proof majority.

Too bad the Republicans have such a lock on the Senate.

Some day this is going to change, quickly, I'm sure. Too many Americans want a clean Cuba relationship, and their rights restored to travel to Cuba.

according to the article. Also, didn't Baucus (?? sp? R?) recently force the Senate leadership to allow a vote on the Cuba amendments in exchange for letting Roger Noriega's nomination go through?

You're right. I can't remember more, however. It would be important to find out more.

Yeah, Roger Noriega. Probably not that many people expected him to get through that quickly, and it was said that Baucus definitely got something by giving something.

Hope to uncover more information.

On edit:

Here's something about it written BEFORE the deal was made, which gives a little insight:

(snip) In the Senate:

One of the leaders on Cuba travel initiatives, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), has put a "hold" on Roger Noriega’s (Ambassador to the OAS and former aide to Senator Jesse Helms) nomination for the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs in order to pressure Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to allow an up-or-down vote on the full Senate floor on S 950, the bill to end US restrictions on travel to Cuba. It is our hope that this travel bill will actually make it to the Senate floor, where we predict that it would pass. Failing getting the bill to the Senate floor, the Senate Cuba Working Group would likely also attempt an amendment process, similar to that of the House described above.

For your information, Noriega’s confirmation is also being held up by a move from Senator Chris Dodd (D-MA) in which he is requesting access to two Cuba-related documents: a memo that former US Interests Section Chief Vikki Huddleston wrote when she left the post last year, and documents that the Bush Administration may have sent to new Interests Section Chief James Cason instructing him how to reach out to Cuban dissidents. (snip/)

http://www.cubacentral.com/article.asp?ID=51

Pick your battles, people>

And has been since my first visit to Cuba in 1991.

Did U.S. Envoy Go Too Far? Critics say aggressive stance against Cuba may have led to backlash on dissidents

By Letta Tayler
LATIN AMERICA CORRESPONDENT
September 2, 2003

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-wocuba31q3438288sep02,0,2090359.story

Not exactly the sort of thing the pro-Batistiano Dems want you to know!

the spelling is right, he is the senior senator from Montana, he has a D next to his name but sometimes you wouldn't think so from his voting record.

5 September 2003
Associated Press

Members of Montana's congressional delegation are leading a small group of agricultural leaders to Cuba next week for meetings to learn about the potential for future trade and business dealings in that country, officials said Thursday.

Democratic Sen. Max Baucus and Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg will be with seven Montanans with agricultural ties on the "fact-finding mission," which includes a scheduled meeting with Cuban President Fidel Castro, said Barrett Kaiser, a Baucus spokesman. Meetings with government and trade officials also are scheduled between Sept. 12-14, he said.

... Both Baucus and Rehberg have visited Cuba and met with Castro -- Baucus in 2000 and Rehberg earlier this year. And both support lifting the embargo. Baucus and Rehberg planned to return with business and agricultural leaders and decided to combine efforts, with Baucus organizing this trip, spokesmen said.

Baucus has legislation pending that calls for lifting the trade embargo and wants to "open Cuba to Montana agricultural products, which will help boost the state's economy and help create jobs," Kaiser said.

More...
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2003/09/05/build/local/84-cuba.inc

And so it goes in 35 states so far while progressive* democratic* undergrounders keep their heads in the sand and plead ignorance for kowtowing like repukes. Go figure!

going to Cuba on September 12th.

Anyone who follows these things knows that at times it seems there's almost a constant stream of Congresscritters coming and going from Cuba.

They difinitely are looking out for their citizens' interests.

Osolomia, THIRTY FIVE STATES is nothing to sneeze at. Guess some of the right-wing will have to come up with a whole new insulting characterization to cover ALL these many people, as obviously there aren't 35 states full of "Castro lovers" or "Castro apologists."

Real progress appears to take longer than real destructiveness.

about what's going on here and why. Go figure!

I have heard, if I'm not mistaken, that _{George Bush} has arranged eliminating the very few opportunities Americans had to travel to Cuba by 75%, and that he will not allow future attendance at this same event. I'm certain they are disappointed as hell, too.

(snip) Oct. 1, 2002, 1:25pm EDT
U.S. COMPANIES MAKE MILLIONS AT CUBA BUSINESS FAIR

Nearly 300 U.S. agribusinesses, farmers and farm state lawmakers visited Cuba over the weekend for the first U.S. trade show on the Caribbean island in four decades, racking up sales of at least $66 million in cash, Cuba's food import agency says.

Online NewsHour Special Report
U.S.-Cuban Relations

American farmers and businesses showed off a variety of food products -- ranging from M&Ms to bison steaks -- and agricultural goods at the U.S. Food & Agribusiness Exhibition in Havana. Some 20,000 Cubans reportedly visited the exhibition to sample U.S.-brand name food items from companies such as Perdue Farms, Hormel Foods, and Tyson Foods.

Although the U.S. has enforced a trade embargo against Cuba for the past 40 years to protest the regime of Cuban President Fidel Castro, a U.S. law passed two years ago created an exception by permitting direct commercial sales of American food and agricultural products to Cuba -- as long as payments are made in cash.

President Bush said in May the U.S. would not end its embargo unless the Carribean nation accepted U.S. demands that it be "committed to real reform" to create a "new government that is fully democratic."

The weekend included a series of firsts, including the first direct sale of Wrigley's chewing gum to the island since Castro came to power in 1959. (snip/...)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/cuba_10-01-02.html

Additional reading material:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/latin_america/cuba/

"I think of all the things that have ever been done in my country, this is the stupidest," Jimmy Carter, July 12, 1996

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsArchiveJul96/world_digest_july12.html

Seven trade and travel banned years later and despite a bipartisan majority who think it should be lifted look at the 2004 Dem presidential stances on the embargo!

Go figure!

Jeez, I had TOTALLY forgotten about this!

(snip) Baucus aides said he lifted his ''hold'' on Noriega's confirmation after a compromise in which the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, whose leaders had been holding up his proposals on Cuba travel, will vote on his bill this fall.

''We expect it to pass the committee overwhelmingly,'' said Laura Hays, a spokeswoman for Baucus, who is planning a trip to Cuba in September. ``This is a great accomplishment.'' (snip/...)

http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/world/6435387.htm

Gotta watch the House of Representatives vote on that travel bill today. This could get interesting THIS YEAR, with any luck.

and shame on you if you don't:

TRAVEL BAN ON CUBA TIGHTENED: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

On March 24, 2003, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced amended regulations on travel to Cuba from the U.S. Though OFAC accepted comments on the regulations until May 23, 2003, there is no formal review process and the regulations go into effect with no real congressional oversight.

People to people travel category eliminated
The new regulations eliminate non-degree related educational travel to Cuba: the 2nd largest license category of travelers, which combined non-credit educational activities with people-to-people contacts. People-to-people travel was licensed by the previous administration, with the belief that such contacts between the two nations would promote American democratic ideals; this travel policy toward Cuba was modeled after the successful exchanges that took place between the former Soviet Bloc and the United States years ago.

* Specifically, the new regulations abolish section 515.565 (b)(2) of OFAC’s Cuban Assets and Control Regulations. Effective March 23rd, “…specific licenses will no longer be granted to sponsor people-to-people educational exchanges to take individuals under their auspices on educational trips to Cuba unrelated to academic coursework.” (OFAC Report for Congress, updated April 22, 2003) The new OFAC regulations will be a major setback for universities, non-profit orgs, professional associations, museums, religious groups, American businesses, continuing education programs, etc.

Cuban American restrictions eased

The new regulations eased restrictions on the largest category of travelers: Cuban Americans. The definition of a close relative was broadened and the amount of cash remittances a Cuban American may carry to Cuba rose to from $300 to $3,000. The per diem spending limit for Cuban Americans was lifted entirely. Effectively, OFAC has eased conditions under which Cuban-Americans may travel and has narrowed them for most others. This leniency arises from the fact that a majority of Cuban Americans now support lifting the travel ban. Still, many Cuban Americans complain that getting permission for more than one visit--even in extreme cases like death in the family--is too cumbersome and cruel; often these visitors return home illegally, through third countries.

More at.. http://ciponline.org/cuba/travel/travelregsmemo_2003.htm

tonight, for a one hour debate. Also there will be an amendment on Cuba educational exchange.

Lotsa shouting and yowling. Good entertainment, a good time to get your contempt for Tom Delay and Lincoln Diaz-Balart reinforced, if you're of this disposition!

The Republicans are going to be fighting a growing battle in the year(s) ahead, as the trend is obviously working against them.

The House of Representatives pro-travel rights side is said to have a veto-proof majority this year.

Mica announced the schedule at around 7:00 p.m., EST.

4 September 2003
Steve Brown
Staff Writer

(CNSNews.com) - Senators were divided along partisan lines Thursday over the issue of trade with Cuba. Democrats argued for easing the U.S. trade and travel embargos against communist dictator Fidel Castro's Cuba while Republicans, backed up by Bush administration officials, remained committed to the restrictions.

In his opening statement at Thursday's hearing, Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) acknowledged the pressure from some of his colleagues to change current policy.

"They point out that, despite four decades of sanctions against his government, Castro remains in power," Grassley said. "They also contend that U.S. farmers and businesses are losing trade opportunities in Cuba to their counterparts in other countries."


But Grassley also explained that other lawmakers "believe that now is not the proper time to change U.S. trade policies," given that Castro's record on human rights has "become even more egregious during the past year" and that "lifting trade restrictions will in effect reward Castro for his actions."

More...
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1218320.html

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Today, the Cuban American National Foundation applauded President George W. Bush's veto threat to potential amendments to the Transportation/Treasury bill, expected to be presented on the floor of the House later today. If passed, the amendments would remove protections for American taxpayers as well as restrict the Department of Treasury's ability to enforce current travel regulations.

In today's Statement of Policy issued by the White House, the Administration made clear its intention of vetoing a bill that contained any such amendments:

"The Administration understands that an amendment may be offered on the House Floor that would weaken current sanctions against Cuba. The Administration believes that it is essential to maintain sanctions and travel restrictions to deny economic resources to the brutal Castro regime. The licensing process helps to ensure that humanitarian and cultural travel facilitates genuine exchanges between U.S. travelers and ordinary Cuban citizens and that any sales to Cuba are done within the boundary of the law. Lifting the sanctions now, or limiting our ability to enforce them, would provide a helping hand to a desperate and repressive regime at the expense of the Cuban people. If the final version of the bill contained such a provision, the President's senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill."

More...
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=161-09042003

would this be banned as well, or was this already illegal?

A long list of Cuban-Americans, business and trade groups, church and religious groups, human rights and international affairs groups, etc. do this for example:

http://www.wola.org/cuba/cuba_house_travel_signon_sept03.pdf

Go figure!

who support ending the embargo on Cuba. It looks as if their numbers are growing continually.

They were intimidated for years, no doubt, by violence from the Cuban "exile" paramilitary types, and professional bombers, all of them connected to their own groups in the States.

When the Elian Gonzalez situation arose in the U.S., ONLY THEN did citizens start hearing little ripples of information that there was actually an entirely different story going on from what we had believed concerning Cuba.

Thanks for the look at this link. It indicates a lot of U.S. churches support removal of the embargo, something a lot of Americans don't know, as well.

Lots to learn.

With so many progressive* democrats* on the campaign trail who needs the Repukes to keep American-Americans trade and travel banned and treated like second class citizens in their own country and ruled by Bush’s kingmaking Batistiano “exiles” for many more years to come? Apathetic democratic* undergrounders seem to do a pretty good job of it themselves, year after year after year, election after election after election even when a bipartisan majority of state and federal legislators and business and academic and human rights groups are fighting for an end to this pathologically stupid policy whether the sheeple are awake yet or not.

How many votes does it take to be VETO PROOF?

How many are there for the vote expected next week?

How many DUers have lifted a finger to support the Congressional reps who have been pleading for public comment all year?

Even DUers are just going to let this golden opportunity to pull the rug out from under the Bushistas and his kingmaking machinery slip through your fingers eh?

Go figure!

and spineless dems do as he says no questions asked:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/world/cuba/6696837.htm

Go figure!

Even after _Bush's ambassador to the UN, John Negroponte did as much pushing and shoving as possible, the vote last year, the 11th in a row, STILL massively condemned the U.S. embargo on Cuba.

This year should be no different. It will be taken in November.

(snip) UN condemns US embargo on Cuba


The United Nations general assembly has again voted overwhelmingly against the 40-year-old United States' embargo against Cuba.
With 173 votes to three, it was the highest vote in support of Cuba since the blockade was first debated by the general assembly in 1992.

A group of 25 countries, led by Mexico, said the US was violating international law and the UN charter. (snip/)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2455923.stm



(photo taken during _Bush's speech in Miami to the Cuban rightwing "exiles)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_1999000/1999311.stm


(_Bush in Miami, AGAIN, addressing his vote/contribution Republican block of Cuban "exiles," with the Cuban flag behind him.)

Since the 2004 Dem presidential candidates are also pandering to the Cuba-American “exiles” in Florida perhaps it would be wise to meet the gang that gathered for a Jeb Bush fundraiser with Dubya in Miami last year before jumping on the bandwagon or giving them any more US taxpayers money for their cause:

- the heads of the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) from Jorge Mas Santos to Joe Garcia who financed Luis Posada Carriles who masterminded the bombing of a Cubana Airlines plane in which all 73 people on board died and more than 50 other attacks. In an interview with The New York Times, he confessed that for many years he has been able to count on the CANF's unfailing economic support.

- Roberto Martin Perez (also a participant in plans for bombing attacks)

- Ninoska Perez-Castillon (promoter of support for Posada Carriles),

- Alberto Hernandez (former CANF president),

- Feliciano Foyo (whom Posada Carriles calls his "financier")

- And many more who signed a call to terrorism published by the Miami Herald in August 2001, in which they coldly affirmed that all means, however violent, are admissible to change the island's government. The document was also signed by Miami terrorist leader Orlando Bosch, accomplice of Luis Posada Carriles and defender of the principle that it's "normal" for innocent people to die in any confrontation.

- Felix Rodriguez, one of the Watergate burglars and the head of the drug operation in El Salvador's Ilopango base that allowed the Nicaraguan contras to buy arms, financed by cocaine sales on U.S. territory. A buddy of George Bush I and Otto Reich, both of whom covered up his activities, Rodriguez was closely linked to terrorist activities by secret organization Omega-7, responsible for several attacks and assassinations.

- Huber Matos, head of Independent Democratic Cuba, who "distinguished" himself in the dirty war in Nicaragua.

- Armando Perez Roura, a Batista follower, Alpha 66 member, leader of the terrorist group Cuban Unity, involved in various criminal activities in Miami, hysterical announcer on a well-known terrorist radio station. In Miami, he continues to openly advocate the absolute need for violent actions without any interference by the authorities. His son also trafficked drugs.

- Dionisio Suarez Esquivel and Virgilio Paz Romero, freed by President Bush in August 2001 (just before the September 11 attacks), after being imprisoned for the murders of Chilean Ambassador Orlando Letelier and human rights activist Ronnie Moffit on a Washington DC street!

- Roberto Rodriguez de Aragon of the Cuban Patriotic Junta, godfather of various violent actions

- Sisto Reinaldo Aquis Manriquez and his crony Eugenio Llameras Rondon, both members of the Secret Army and Commandos L, and with abundant antecedents of participating in acts of terrorism.

- Bush also finally had the opportunity to greet those who kidnapped Elian Gonzalez, as uncles Delfin and Lazaro Gonzalez and ditsy cousin Marisleysis were in there in the crowd of admirers.

From http://www.lanacioncubana.homestead.com/Twentyeight.html

to travel to Cuba, when answering an invitation from Fidel Castro to visit the island.

CAN YOU IMAGINE?

(snip) Carter's Castro visit angers Bush
By Gay Alcorn, United States Correspondent
May 14 2002

Former US president Jimmy Carter, 77, shook hands with Cuban President Fidel Castro, 75, in Havana. That such a thing could cause such excitement is a reflection of one of the most enduring animosities between two countries, one that appears to be worsening under George Bush.

President Bush is said to be furious that Mr Carter is bestowing the prestige of the American presidency on the wily communist leader, who has seen out 10 presidents since he marched on Havana in 1959.

The White House allowed Mr Carter to visit as a private citizen - everyone has to get permission to go to Cuba - but silently opposed it, knowing that the trip would be a propaganda victory for Dr Castro.

Official US policy towards Cuba is isolation. The 40-year-old trade and travel embargo will remain until democratic reforms are introduced, which most people believe will not happen until Dr Castro dies. Mr Carter opposes the embargo, as do an increasing number of congressmen and women and even such venerable Republicans as former secretary of state Henry Kissinger. The argument against the embargo is that, far from harming Dr Castro's leadership, it strengthens it.

Most Americans, especially business people, see little sense in the embargo, particularly when White House policy towards other undemocratic regimes, such as China, is economic and political engagement. A government study in 2000 found the embargo costs the US economy more than $US1 billion ($A1.8 billion) a year, and it cripples the Cuban economy. (snip/...)

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/05/13/1021002429703.html


Jimmy Carter and Fidel Castro stand side by side during a welcoming ceremony at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.
Picture: AFP

(snip) 'SOMETHING DIFFERENT'

"For 42 years, we tried to change the government of Cuba, and we have failed,'' said Rep. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican. "It is time for us to try something different that may actually work.''

Proponents included an odd mix of conservative Republicans, like bill sponsor Jeff Flake of Arizona, who argued for unfettered free trade, to liberal Democrats, who said U.S. citizens should be allowed to travel anywhere in the world. "What we've done is erect our own Berlin Wall, preventing free travel of American citizens,'' said Rep. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., who called for "an invasion'' of U.S. travelers to the island. "Let the college kids on spring break be the vanguard of this invasion.''

Opponents bitterly decried any effort to weaken pressure on the Castro government.

"Allowing travel to Cuba is a terrible mistake,'' said Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, the majority whip. "The tyrant is teetering on the brink of an abyss. Why in the world would we reach out now and draw his evil, abusive regime back to safety? Let it fall!''
http://64.21.33.164/CNews/y01/jul01/26e5.htm

Actually, when he said it, he was helling and it came out more like "let it FAWL."

Who can't see the difference in attitude and maturity between the Democrats and the Republicans on this matter?

Dems could and should have lifted the embargo and travel ban over 10 years ago but instead we've still got a bunch of pro-Batistiano Dem presidential candidates in 2004 and an American public that still doesn't know any better about a policy that's been internationally condemned for over a decade now.

With so much ignorance and apathy how easy is it for Bush and his kingmaking "exiles" to do whatever the hell they want?

The Jamaican government that is since brainwashed and travel banned Dems still can't figure out this much:

Observer Reporter
Saturday, September 06, 2003

WESTERN BUREAU -- Eight Cubans who landed illegally in Jamaica on July 5 have been refused political asylum and are to be sent back to their country, the security ministry said yesterday.

"...they do not meet the criteria of the (United Nations) refugee convention. They are economic migrants. They are not political refugees," said Donovan Nelson, a spokesman for the security ministry.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20030906T050000-0500_48577_OBS_GOV_T_REJECTS_ASYLUM_FOR_CUBANS.asp

Dems also ought to know about this by now or else look like morons.
Almost every day there’s articles like these in small town America newspapers all across the country, if they know full well about it by now then why don’t DUers?

1st Shipment from Pcola to Cuba
5 September 2003
http://www.weartv.com/news/Stories/september/0905/cubaport.shtml

Lawmakers want free travel to Cuba
5 September 2003
http://wpmi.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=84FBCA4F-E3E4-4734-B40B-C932FE33C3EA

please see this article, which I posted in Foreign Relations. It gives you some insight to what, exactly, Bush has been having his head of the Interests Section, James Cason DOING on behalf of U.S. taxpayers:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=116&topic_id=1068&mesg_id=1269&page=

On edit:

The House of Representatives has pushed back voting on the Cuba Travel Ban until this week. A veto-proof majority in favor of withholding funds for prosecuting American Cuba travellers is expected.

on Flake's amendment to lift the travel ban, provided the Dems don't blow it out of apathy and ignorance for the 4th year in a row.

U.S. Administration Says Would Veto End to Cuba Ban
Mon September 8, 2003 12:32 PM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration on Monday repeated a threat to veto any repeal of the restrictions on travel to Cuba, saying that tourism would not help get rid of President Fidel Castro.
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on Tuesday on an amendment that would deny the Bush administration the funds it needs to enforce the travel restrictions.

"Sunbathers are not going to liberate Cuba nor is upgrading the brunch at Cuba's isolated tourist enclave hotels," Assistant Secretary of State Roger Noriega told an event at the Center of Strategic and International Studies.

More...
http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=3406362

DUers ought to know by now that last March Bush unilaterally tightened the travel restrictions on American-Americans while loosening them on Cuban-Americans. That's right folks, the very same people who stole the 2000 election are free to travel to Cuba and spend all the money there they want.

Go figure!!!