WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) made the following statement after President Trump announced that he will be rolling back several key aspects of U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba, including the reinstatement of severe travel restrictions for American tourists and broad limitations on financial transactions. His actions come despite overwhelming public support of President Obama’s 2016 accord with Cuba, including broad support among Cuban-Americans.
“President Trump is once again showboating his ignorance when it comes to foreign policy. Strong relations with neighboring countries, like Cuba, require open political engagement through cultural and economic exchange. Returning to failed isolationist policies will only serve to harm the progress that was made for many businesses and Cuban-American families under President Obama during the past two years.”
“Just as our relations with Cuba were normalizing and trade and travel was easing, we now revert back to being the only nation in our hemisphere that turns its back to our neighbor 90 miles away. History will tell that continuing these isolationist policies does nothing to benefit either nation.”
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The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, with over 70 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and promote civil liberties. The CPC champions progressive policy solutions like comprehensive immigration reform, a $15 national minimum wage, fair trade, gun violence reform, debt-free college, and making the federal government a Model Employer.
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