Legislation will help ease the economic crisis in Cuba.
The Cuban people are currently facing one of the worst economic crises the country has known. Food prices have skyrocketed, and fuel, medicines and water are in short supply. Cuba’s severe economic hardship is attributed to a combination of state mismanagement and severe external pressure.
The United States first imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in 1962, prohibiting most imports and exports between the two countries and restricting Americans from travelling to Cuba. The embargo has isolated Cuba from conducting business with the United States and other countries. Moreover, sending humanitarian aid to Cuba is very difficult because of these restrictions.
Representative Jim McGovern and Senator Ron Wyden have introduced the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act (H.R.7521 and S.136) to repeal the U.S. embargo and other provisions restricting trade and travel to Cuba.
The ELCA has companion partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Lutheran Confession in Cuba, the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas and the Ecumenical Council of Cuba. In this accompaniment, the ELCA has long called for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba.
We can also urge lifting of restrictions. Ask your representative and senators to co-sponsor and support these bills.
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