WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement on the passing of Fidel Castro:

"My thoughts are with the people of Cuba today as they reflect on the past and look to the future. They have an enduring spirit of resilience, and I am hopeful that this new chapter, post-Fidel Castro, is marked by political, economic, and human rights progress and renewed relations between our countries. Passing my bill with Republican Senator Jeff Flake to lift the trade embargo with Cuba would create jobs and increase exports for American farmers and businesses, and it could create unprecedented opportunity for the Cuban people."

"For far too long, U.S.-Cuba policy has been defined by the conflicts of the past instead of the realities of today and the possibilities for the future. The Cuban and American people are ahead of their governments in terms of wanting to see change. We need to seize this opportunity and lift the trade embargo."

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