Letter
Letter to House on Cuba Legislation, June 22, 2015
Letter from Bishop Oscar Cantu, Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace to House on Cuba Legislation, June 22, 2015
As Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I write to urge you to oppose appropriations riders which reverse recent opening of diplomatic relations and the new regulations on travel and trade concerning Cuba. I would also urge you to support and cosponsor the “The Freedom to Export to Cuba Act of 2015” and “The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2015” (H. 664).
Our Conference has long spoken out against the negative effects of the U.S. trade and travel embargo of Cuba. We hold that the way to encourage religious freedom and human rights in Cuba is through dialogue and reconciliation between the United States and Cuba, and within Cuban society. To accomplish this, the trade and travel embargo must be lifted. These bills are consistent with recent positive developments, including the removal of Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and progress in establishing full diplomatic relations, including opening embassies.
We continue to urge Congress to take no action to impair the new regulations on travel and trade concerning Cuba, as recently issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Rather, what is needed is legislation to eliminate the vestiges of outmoded and failed policies of isolation.