Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor announced strong support for historic changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba.  President Obama detailed the changes which include reestablishing diplomatic relations, expanding travel opportunities and support for the Cuban people. U.S. Rep. Castor has been working for years to encourage the changes announced by the President today.

“Tampa Bay area families and businesses played an important role in the normalization of relations with Cuba announced today.  For years, I have advocated engaging, modernizing diplomatic relations and promoting economic reforms in Cuba, especially after traveling there on a fact-finding mission in 2013.  President Obama has again answered the calls for change from this community.  Thanks to the President, the State of Florida and the Tampa Bay area can seize the opportunity to lead on engagement and encourage human rights and economic reforms in Cuba,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “As Americans, we fought two wars with Germany, experienced a terrible conflict with Vietnam and have been able to move forward each time based on concerns for the people of those countries. It is long past time that we do the same for the people of Cuba.” 

In 2013, upon her return from Cuba, U.S. Rep. Castor sent the following detailed letter to President Obama and Secretary Kerry outlining the changes, challenges, and opportunities she saw for modernizing relations with the island (see letter).  The President’s announcement addresses all of what Castor advocated for in her letter.  Earlier this year, Castor brought the Cuban Ambassador Jose Cabañas to Tampa to discuss greater engagement and economic reforms.  Castor also met with and encouraged the new U.S. Ambassador to Cuba, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, this summer to modernize relations. 

“Cuban-Americans and our entire community already have benefited from travel and remittances – changes  that have enabled families to visit and support their relatives on the island,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.  “Small businesses, the tourism industry and Tampa International Airport also have seen a boost in jobs and economic opportunities and are poised to take further advantage of broadening travel and trade to the island nation.” 

U.S. Rep. Castor has been working with the Obama administration since he was elected to modernize relations with the island, writing 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 advocated for increasing travel  through broadening general licenses and successfully pushed the Administration to designate Tampa International Airport as an entry/exit point for charter flights to the island nation. 

“Today is truly an historic day in U.S./Cuban relations,” U.S. Rep. Castor continued.  “So much of what we have been hoping for and working on for families and the U.S. are included in this announcement.”

###