Obama plans to use executive power to help normalize relations with Cuba
Image from Shutterstock.
President Barack Obama plans to use executive power to smooth the United States’ relationship with Cuba.
Obama plans to lift some restrictions on travel, trade and financial activities despite opposition in Congress, the New York Times reports. There is no indication that Congress will lift a trade embargo, but Obama has concluded he has the authority to take some action on his own.
Six laws impose sanctions on Cuba, including a ban on U.S. exports to the country, but they give the executive branch wide latitude in enforcement, the Hill reports. The executive branch changes will make it easier to get a license to travel to Cuba and to increase the amount of money that Americans can send to Cubans.
Administration officials told the New York Times that the Treasury Department will issue regulations to allow U.S. sale of agricultural products and banking relationships with Cuba, while the Commerce Department will allow export of construction and telecommunications equipment.
Meanwhile, a State Department review could culminate in the removal of Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terrorism, easing the way for greater trade and banking relationships in Cuba.
Obama is already experiencing opposition in Congress. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., says he will try to bar funding for a U.S. embassy in Cuba. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also said he is committed to unraveling any changes by the Obama administration, the Constitution Daily blog reports.
“I anticipate we are going to have a very interesting couple of years discussing how they are going to get an ambassador [to Cuba] nominated and how they are going get an embassy funded,” Rubio said.
