Pioneer Editorial: Open U.S. trade, travel with Cuba
- Submitted by: admin
- United States
- Politics and Government
- 07 / 12 / 2010
After 60 years of holding firm on an embargo against Cuban trade, it’s time to open trade with the island, starting with agriculture.
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee last month approved a bill authored by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, DFL-7th District, and chairman of the panel, to begin opening agricultural trade with Cuba and to allow travel between the United States and Cuba.
The Detroit Lakes congressman told the Bemidji Pioneer last week that the time is right.
The Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act has bipartisan support and hopefully will be able to win full House support, over the objections of Florida representatives intent on keeping the embargo until Hell freezes over, or Cuba freezes over, whichever comes first.
“This legislation is the right policy at the right time,” says Rep. Peterson. “We have tried to isolate Cuba for more than 50 years, and it has not worked, as it has in other countries."
Minnesota has much to gain in opening new markets to Minnesota agricultural products, from corn to wheat to beef and hogs. It can mean more jobs for Minnesotans and expand Minnesota’s presence in the global marketplace.
The bill is being carried in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. It is indeed the right policy at the right time, and should be supported by Congress.
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee last month approved a bill authored by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, DFL-7th District, and chairman of the panel, to begin opening agricultural trade with Cuba and to allow travel between the United States and Cuba.
The Detroit Lakes congressman told the Bemidji Pioneer last week that the time is right.
The Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act has bipartisan support and hopefully will be able to win full House support, over the objections of Florida representatives intent on keeping the embargo until Hell freezes over, or Cuba freezes over, whichever comes first.
“This legislation is the right policy at the right time,” says Rep. Peterson. “We have tried to isolate Cuba for more than 50 years, and it has not worked, as it has in other countries."
Minnesota has much to gain in opening new markets to Minnesota agricultural products, from corn to wheat to beef and hogs. It can mean more jobs for Minnesotans and expand Minnesota’s presence in the global marketplace.
The bill is being carried in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. It is indeed the right policy at the right time, and should be supported by Congress.
By: Bemidji Pioneer Editorial Board, Bemidji Pioneer
Source: /www.bemidjipioneer.com/
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