U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement today regarding the Trump administration’s newest restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba:

“The regulations announced today are part of the backwards policy of the Trump administration to return to failed Cold War isolationist policies toward Cuba and the Cuban people.  Instead, America should be focused on supporting Cuba’s growing private sector by encouraging more Americans to travel to Cuba rather than adding burdensome restrictions on Americans, cultural exchanges and businesses.

“Since the U.S. reestablished diplomatic ties with Cuba, thousands of Americans have visited and numerous businesses have explored new markets.  These activities have not only opened new economic opportunities for Americans and Cubans alike, they serve as an integral part of our efforts to promote the spread of democracy and ensure the security of our region.  I am disappointed that today’s regulations do nothing to promote human rights and economic growth in Cuba and will only further harm the growing private sector on the island.

“I also am disappointed in the lack of progress and resources devoted to the investigation of the unexplained episodes involving health problems suffered by our diplomatic personnel in Havana.  I was advised by Trump administration officials in October that U.S. investigators had left with no determination as to the nature or cause of these incidents.  Furthermore, every day that goes by without adequate embassy personnel available to process visas harms Cuban and American families.  The U.S. has now effectively ended travel by Cubans to visit their loved ones in the U.S. under the nonimmigrant visa.  This is cruel and heartbreaking for many families who I see in my Tampa office regularly.”

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