Republicans Try to Use Spending Bills to Stop Obama's Plans For Cuba

Republicans Try to Use Spending Bills to Stop Obama's Plans For Cuba
By Roberto Ontiveros (staff@latinpost.com)First Posted: Jun 07, 2015
02:40 PM EDT

It is not just U.S. citizens and Cubans that are excited about the
current thaw that is taking place between the two nations that have have
experienced icy relation for over five decades.
Much of the world has acknowledged joy and relief that the process of
normalization has begun. Back in December, when President Barack Obama
and Cuban leader Raul Castro announced a restoration of diplomatic
relations, the European Union described that move as a "historical
turning point." As reported by the BBC, Pope Francis sent his "warm
congratulations" to both leaders for overcoming "the difficulties which
have marked their recent history."
But the one group that is not on board with easing trade and travel
restrictions between the U.S. and its erstwhile Cold War foe is the
conservative wing of the Republican Party -- and many Republicans in
Congress are exercising whatever power they have to stall the thaw.
Opponents of Obama's otherwise-lauded plan to reestablish diplomatic
relations with Cuba are trying to use must-pass funding bills in an
effort to limit Obama's ability to expand trade and travel with the
island country.
As reported in USA Today, Republicans in Congress are trying to use
complicated appropriations bills to block the president's plan. For his
part, Obama has threatened to veto any GOP changes to his new policy.
In their efforts to hamper the White House's plans for normalizing
relations with Cuba, Republicans, who are being aided by some
like-minded Democrats, have thus far approved several provisions
designed to undercut Obama's plan to allow for more Americans (as well
U.S.-made goods) to get into Cuba.
And Republican politicians, like Florida Representative Mario
Diaz-Balart, feel that they have the people on their side.
Diaz-Balart says, "It's pretty clear that people don't want to just give
up all leverage, all sanctions, getting nothing in return for the United
States and doing nothing for the Cuban people."

Source: Republicans Try to Use Spending Bills to Stop Obama's Plans For
Cuba : World : Latin Post -
http://www.latinpost.com/articles/58120/20150607/republicans-try-use-spending-bills-stop-obamas-plans-cuba.htm