About the Initiatives and Votes
- Cuba Travel Amendment:
Senators Michael Enzi (R-WY), Max Baucus (D-MT), Larry Craig (R-ID) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) offered an amendment to the Transportation/Treasury appropriations bill that would end funding for the travel ban to Cuba. A motion to table (kill) the amendment failed 59-36 and the amendment itself passed on a voice vote. An X denotes a vote against tabling, i.e. a vote for travel.
- S-950 the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2003:
This freestanding bill would end the ban on travel to Cuba. It was introduced by Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY) and as of printing has 32 co-sponsors. It has been reported out of the International Relations Committee and awaits scheduling for a debate and vote by the full Senate. An X denotes a co-sponsor.
- Dodd/Feingold Letter to Secretary Powell on Colombia:
On September 30, Senators Dodd, Feingold, Leahy and Kerry sent a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell expressing serious concern about Colombian President Uribe’s September 8th speech which had accused some human rights groups of acting as “terrorist spokespeople,” remarks which put human rights defenders in danger. The letter also opposed amnesty for paramilitary leaders involved in grave human rights abuses. Senator Biden sent a similar letter during the same time period.
