Klobuchar is leading the bipartisan effort in the Senate to lift the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today released the following statement after the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security announced amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations and Export Administration Regulations. These changes will increase the ability of U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba and Cuban nationals’ to access U.S. financial institutions.

“The significant changes announced today build on recent announcements that allow for scheduled air service between the United States and Cuba, making it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba,” Klobuchar said. “Beyond helping to facilitate travel and commerce between Cuba and the United States, the regulatory changes announced today will help Cuban entrepreneurs and Cuban nationals living in the United States by expanding access to the U.S. financial market. These are good initial steps that will help improve the quality of life for Americans and Cubans, but we cannot stop until both travel and trade embargos are lifted.”

Klobuchar is leading the bipartisan Freedom to Export to Cuba Act—which currently has 23 Senate cosponsors. The bill lifts the current embargo and allows more U.S. goods to be exported to Cuba. The bill would eliminate the legal barriers to Americans doing business in Cuba, boosting job creation and exports. It does not repeal provisions of current law that address human rights in Cuba or that allow individuals and businesses to pursue claims against the Cuban government. Last week, Klobuchar called on the Departments of Treasury and Commerce to allow American hotels to operate in Cuba. Klobuchar will visit Cuba with the President next week.

###