Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor applauded President Barack Obama today for the decisive and necessary actions he took to lift travel restrictions to Cuba so families can more easily visit their loved ones and send money to their relatives.

“President Obama’s decision to stand up for families offers our neighbors the flexibility they need and humanity they deserve,” Castor said. “Many families I know need to travel to visit a sick or dying relative. This is about easing the personal struggles of families.”

Castor has been a strong supporter of easing travel restrictions for families and has assisted many families through her congressional office. In December Castor wrote to then-President Elect Obama about travel to Cuba, calling for him to lift the restrictions that limit family travel to the island nation. She also called upon Obama to lift the restrictions that limit the amount of remittance families may send to relatives in Cuba. A federal executive order implemented by President Bush limited travel to Cuba to once every three years and limited remittances to family members to $300 annually. Obama today has directed the Secretaries of State, Treasury and Commerce to lift all restrictions on family travel and remittances.

“The restrictions have proven ineffective in altering the political situation and interfere with fundamental family relations and human rights,” Castor wrote. “I respectfully urge you to breathe fresh air into our relationships with our neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean and to modernize policies relating to Cuba.”

Castor referenced the devastating effects of the restrictions last summer when Hurricane Gustav wreaked havoc on Cuba and Cuban-Americans were unable to provide direct humanitarian assistance.

“Now, Cuban Americans will be able to more directly and effectively help their loved ones in Cuba,” Castor said. “These changes are well overdue and I am pleased President Obama is rejecting the former Bush Administration’s hard line and taking steps in the right direction to help our Cuban-American families.”

Castor also is in discussions with the Obama Administration regarding the addition of Tampa International Airport as a port of entry/exit for charter flights to Cuba. Castor notes the high concentration of Cuban Americans in the Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater area but the lack of Cuba charter flights.

“The addition of Tampa International Airport as a departure point for charter flights to Cuba is needed now with the new travel policy and would be one less burden these families have to face,” Castor said.