WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after calling on the President to drop the embargo on Cuba:
“The embargo on Cuba has clearly failed as a tool of foreign policy, and it’s time to give trade a chance and help our farmers at the same time. Our agricultural industry is so important, both to our food supply and to rural communities across Minnesota’s 2nd District. We shouldn’t be denying our farmers the chance to trade with an island just 90 miles off the US coast, especially when it could improve the lives of so many Cubans as well.”
Background: the United States has had an embargo placed on trade with Cuba since 1962. The fact that this persists today is a relic of the Cold War. While Cubans continue to suffer human rights abuses, the previous administration outlined a policy of increased engagement to bring progress to Cuba rather than simply continuing the embargo policy, which has not worked.
Lewis is calling on President Trump to lift the embargo so that the US can demonstrate to Cuba the practical benefits of political and economic reform. Not only will this help the Cuban people, but it will provide a valuable new export market for Minnesotan agricultural products.
