WASHINGTON -- In what has become practically an annual ritual in
Congress, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle battle an equally
bi-partisan opposition in an attempt to open travel to Cuba.
The latest salvo was fired by Sen. Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), who
introduced a bill (S. 950) in the Senate that would lift existing
sanctions to allow unrestricted travel between the U.S. and the
Caribbean island.
Proponents contend four decades of sanctions have done little to
undermine Communist rule of Cuba.
However, they argue greater exposure to democratic ideals
through increased trade and travel would be more effective. But
opponents counter that new revenue streams of trade and travel
would be used by the Cuban government to maintain power.
Against that backdrop, there are at least two resolutions in the
House condemning Cuba for alleged recent series of human rights
abuses.
The Enzi bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations.