The following is a letter from Representatives Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Jim Leach (R-IA) regarding the "Bridges to the Cuban People Act". The letter gives a brief explanation of the sections of the bill and a justification for its introduction. The bill would effectively end the embargo.

Bridges to the Cuban People Act

April 7, 2004

Dear Colleague:

Many of our colleagues have already cosponsored H.R.3422, the Bridges to the Cuban People Act, to move our policy towards Cuba in a more positive direction. This legislation would help both Americans and the Cuban people by increasing the flow of goods to Cuba, easing travel restrictions for Americans and certain classes of Cuban visitors, and providing opportunities for Cubans with academic interests.

Expanding trade with Cuba would help American companies and American farmers, as well as the Cuban people by making necessary products available. This legislation would permit the export to Cuba of food and agricultural commodities, farm machinery and equipment, medicine and medical devices, assistive technology devices, such as wheelchairs and prosthetics, personal care products and products intended for use exclusively by children, such as diapers and baby formula.

The bill would also allow Americans to exercise their constitutional right to travel where they please by lifting restrictions on travel to Cuba. This would increase personal contact between Cubans and Americans and promote cultural exchange. Scholarship opportunities for Cubans to pursue graduate study in the United States would enrich the academic community, just as allowing Cubans to travel to the United States to play professional organized sports would enhance the athletic community. These provisions would increase the flow of information and ideas with one of our closest neighbors.

In addition, this bill would expedite security checks for certain non-immigrant Cuban visitors, including professional musicians and artists, individuals requiring health care (with certification from a doctor), those with a demonstrated humanitarian need, those with a family emergency, religious leaders, scientists, scholars, and educators. This will help to foster cultural exchange and build bridges between Cubans and Americans.

H.R. 3422 does not end the embargo, but it is an attempt to bring some common sense to our foreign policy with respect to Cuba. It contains provisions that would benefit both Americans and Cubans by building artistic, educational, and athletic bridges between our two countries. This bill recognizes that Cuba is our close neighbor and there are areas where trade and exchanges can benefit both of our peoples.

Sincerely,

/s José E. Serrano /s James A. Leach

Member of Congress Member of Congress