Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) joined a bipartisan group of fifteen Senators to introduce legislation easing travel and trade restrictions on Cuba.
"I have long said that trade with Cuba is an opportunity the United States cannot ignore," Senator Roberts said. "It is in the best economic and national security interests of the United States."
Many of the provisions in the bill, S. 1089, the "Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009," are similar to legislation Senator Roberts has supported in the past including:
Defines cash-in-advance payment as payment made before the seller will relinquish title or physical control of the goods to the Cuban buyer. Under a 2005 Treasury rule, sellers need to receive payment before the goods are shipped from a U.S. port.;
Allows U.S. banks to receive payment directly from Cuban banks for Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) authorized transactions only;
Eliminates all restrictions on travel to Cuba.
Requires USDA to help promote American agricultural exports to Cuba and offer technical assistance to U.S. entities interested in exporting.
"In Kansas, one out of every two bushels of wheat is sold overseas," Senator Roberts said. "American farmers and ranchers deserve the support of their government in pursuing international markets for their products. This legislation seeks to clarify and enhance the ability of our farmers and ranchers to sell their products in this growing and important market. The removal of the travel ban can only help Americans share the lesson of democracy and freedom with the Cuban people and expand opportunities for trade."
Senator Roberts is a leading advocate for the removal of barriers to trade with Cuba since his visit there in 2000. He was a key supporter of the Trade Sanctions Reform Act which allowed sales of food and medicine to Cuba from the United States.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance of which Senator Roberts is a member. Roberts is also a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
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