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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated August 25, 2020]
From the Summary: "Restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have constituted a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Such restrictions are largely part of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), the overall embargo regulations administered by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as certain parts of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), administered by the Department of Commerce. Various Administrations have eased and tightened these restrictions over the years as U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-08-25
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Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress [November 25, 2015]
"Political and economic developments in Cuba and U.S. policy toward the island nation, located just 90 miles from the United States, have been significant congressional concerns for many years. Especially since the end of the Cold War, Congress has played an active role in shaping U.S. policy toward Cuba, first with the enactment of the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992 (P.L. 102-484, Title XVII) and then with the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-114). Both measures strengthened U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba that had first been imposed in the early 1960s but also provided roadmaps for a normalization of relations dependent upon significant political and economic changes in Cuba. A decade ago, Congress partially modified its sanctions-based policy toward Cuba when it enacted the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 or TSRA (P.L. 106-387, Title IX) allowing for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. […] This report is divided into three major sections analyzing Cuba's political and economic environment, U.S. policy, and selected issues in U.S.-Cuban relations. While legislative initiatives are noted throughout the report, a final section of the report provides a listing of bills and resolutions introduced in the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2015-11-25
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Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress [June 25, 2015]
"Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. In 2013, Raúl began his second and final five- year term, which is scheduled to end in February 2018, when he would be 86 years old. Castro has implemented a number of market-oriented economic policy changes over the past several years. A 2011 party congress laid out numerous economic goals that, if implemented, could significantly alter Cuba's state-dominated economic model. Few observers, however, expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. While the government has released most long-term political prisoners, short-term detentions and harassment have increased significantly over the past several years, reflecting a change of tactics in repressing dissent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2015-06-25
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Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress [June 12, 2015]
"Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. In 2013, Raúl began his second and final five-year term, which is scheduled to end in February 2018, when he would be 86 years old. Castro has implemented a number of market-oriented economic policy changes over the past several years. A 2011 party congress laid out numerous economic goals that, if implemented, could significantly alter Cuba's state-dominated economic model. Few observers, however, expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. While the government has released most long-term political prisoners, short-term detentions and harassment have increased significantly over the past several years, reflecting a change of tactics in repressing dissent. […] The Obama Administration's shift in Cuba policy has spurred strong interest in Congress. Some Members lauded the initiative as in the best interest of the United States and a better way to support change in Cuba, while others criticized the President for not obtaining more concessions from Cuba to advance human rights."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2015-06-12
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated June 5, 2020]
From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, and the United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many Latin American and Caribbean countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; geographic proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-06-05
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China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean [Updated June 1, 2020]
From the Document: "As the People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean over nearly 20 years, U.S. policymakers have raised questions regarding potential implications for U.S. interests in the region. China's engagement with the region has grown significantly since 2001, particularly in terms of diplomatic and economic ties. This growth reflects China's increasing global 'soft power' efforts worldwide. A succession of Chinese leaders and other officials have visited the region to court governments. In turn, regional leaders and officials have been frequent visitors to China. The PRC has signed a variety of bilateral partnership agreements with several countries in the region, including 'strategic partnerships' with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-06-01
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Guyana: An Overview [Updated May 21, 2020]
From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage (the country achieved independence from Britain in 1966). Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations and forums, and its capital of Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization. Guyana currently is facing two enormous challenges--a political crisis concerning the conduct of the March 2, 2020, elections, and a public health threat due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-05-21
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated May 21, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, but notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. Most significantly in 2020, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region and is currently surging in infections and deaths in some countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2020-05-21
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of June 18, 2020, the region has 1.8 million confirmed cases and over 86,000 deaths, with some countries experiencing a surge in deaths. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil now has the highest number of deaths worldwide after the United States. The rankings change in terms of per capita deaths--Ecuador has the highest number of recorded deaths per capita, followed by Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-06-19
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The Bahamas: An Overview [Updated June 17, 2020]
From the Document: "The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States, has been a stable parliamentary democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. The country's bicameral legislature has a 39-seat House of Assembly directly elected for five-year terms and a 16-member appointed Senate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-06-17
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Guyana: An Overview [Updated July 13, 2020]
From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage (the country became independent in 1966). Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations, and its capital Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-07-13
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, with the United States a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; with proximity and economic and security conditions the major factors driving migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-07-01
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated July 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of July 10, 2020, the region had almost 3.2 million confirmed cases and over 138,000 deaths, with deaths surging in several countries. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil has the highest number worldwide after the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-07-10
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated July 16, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations.Changes included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism (May 2015); the restoration of diplomatic relations (July 2015); and an easing of restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (2015 and 2016, accomplished through amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, administered by the Treasury Department, and the Export Administration Regulations, administered by the Commerce Department).The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements and numerous bilateral dialogues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-07-16
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated September 3, 2020]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. [...] Under the Trump Administration, U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean have generally moved toward a more confrontational approach from one of engagement and partnership during past Administrations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-09-03
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated September 3, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of September 2, 2020, the region had almost 6.1 million confirmed cases(almost 28% of cases worldwide) and almost 280,000 deaths(almost 33% of deaths worldwide), with the virus continuing to spread at high levels in several countries. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Chile have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil has the highest death toll worldwide after the United States.The rankings change in terms of per capita deaths--Peru has the highest recorded deaths per capita in the region, followed by Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and Panama."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-09-03
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated October 28, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. Changes included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism (May 2015); the restoration of diplomatic relations (July 2015); and an easing of restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (2015 and 2016), accomplished through amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), administered by the Treasury Department, and the Export Administration Regulations, administered by the Commerce Department. The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements and numerous dialogues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-10-28
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated October 7, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-10-07
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region. By the end of 2020, the region reported over 507,000 deaths (almost 28% of deaths worldwide)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-01-07
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 116th Congress and Through the Trump Administration [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report, which will not be updated, examines U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 116th Congress and through the end of the Trump Administration. It is divided into three major sections analyzing (1) Cuba's political and economic environment; (2) U.S. policy toward Cuba; and (3) selected issues in U.S.-Cuban relations, including restrictions on travel and trade, democracy and human rights funding for Cuba, U.S. government-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba (Radio and T Martí), migration issues, antidrug cooperation, property claims, and U.S. fugitives from justice in Cuba. Relevant legislative initiatives in the 116th Congress are noted throughout the report, and Appendix A lists enacted measures and other bills and resolutions. Appendix B provides links to U.S. government information and reports on Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-01-22
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [January 13, 2010]
"Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy has consisted largely of isolating Cuba through economic sanctions. A second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations, U.S.-sponsored broadcasting to Cuba, and support for human rights. In light of Fidel Castro's departure as head of government, many observers have called for a re-examination of policy. In this new context, two broad approaches have been advanced: an approach that would maintain the dual-track policy of isolating the Cuban government while providing support to the Cuban people; and an approach aimed at changing attitudes within the Cuban government and society through increased contact and engagement. In April 2009, President Obama announced that his Administration would allow unlimited family travel and remittances and greater telecommunications links; on September 3, 2009, the Treasury and Commerce Department issued regulations implementing these policy changes. The 111th Congress took action on Cuba in several measures in 2009. In March, it approved three provisions in the FY2009 omnibus appropriations measure (P.L. 111-8) that eased sanctions on family travel, travel for the marketing of agricultural and medical goods, and payment terms for U.S. agricultural exports. In FY2010 omnibus appropriations legislation (P.L. 111-117) enacted in December, Congress eased payments terms for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba during FY2010 by defining the term 'payment of cash in advance,' and provided continued funding for Cuba democracy programs and Radio and TV Martí broadcasting. In May, the Senate approved S.Res. 149, a human rights resolution related to freedom of the press."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-01-13
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated May 21, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean. As of May 20, 2021, the region had over 31million confirmed cases (19% of cases worldwide) and almost 1 million deaths (29% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru had the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil and Mexico had the second- and fourth-highest deaths globally. Looking at mortality (death) rates per 100,000 population, Brazil had the highest recorded COVID-19 mortality rate in the region, followed by Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-05-21
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Venezuela: Issues in the 111th Congress [November 17, 2009]
From the Summary: "The United States traditionally has had close relations with Venezuela, the fourth major supplier of foreign oil to the United States, but there has been friction with the Chávez government. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about human rights, Venezuela's military arms purchases, its relations with Cuba and Iran, and its efforts to export its brand of populism to other Latin American countries. Declining cooperation on anti-drug and anti-terrorism efforts has also been a concern. In September 2008, bilateral relations worsened when President Chávez expelled the U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela, and the United States responded in kind. Under the Obama Administration, Venezuela and the United States reached an agreement for the return of respective ambassadors in July 2009. While some observers are hopeful that the return of ambassadors will mark an improvement in relations, others emphasize continued U.S. concerns about the Venezuelan government's treatment of the news media and political opposition and about interference in the affairs of other countries in the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-11-17
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Panama: An Overview [Updated May 27, 2021]
From the Document: "Panama's central location in the Americas (linking North and South America), large financial sector, use of the U.S. dollar as currency, and transportation infrastructure-- especially the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans--make the country a global trade hub and a strategic partner for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-05-27
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [February 3, 2009]
From the Summary: "Cuba, which remains a hard-line communist state with a poor record on human rights, commemorated the 50th anniversary of its revolution on January 1, 2009. Cuba's political succession from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl in 2006 was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. Fidel stepped down from power temporarily in July 2006 because of health reasons, and Raúl assumed provisional control of the government until February 2008, when he officially became President. [...] As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 111th Congress will likely be how best to support political and economic change in Cuba. In light of Fidel Castro's departure as head of government, many observers have called for a re-examination of U.S. policy toward Cuba. In this new context, two broad policy approaches have been advanced: a status-quo or a stay the course approach that would maintain the U.S. dual-track policy of isolating the Cuban government while providing support to the Cuban people; and an approach aimed at changing attitudes within the Cuban government and Cuban society through increased contact and engagement. President Barack Obama vowed during the electoral campaign to change U.S. policy by allowing unlimited family travel and remittances to Cuba, although he also pledged to maintain the embargo as a source of leverage to bring about change in Cuba. Over the past several years, various legislative initiatives have been introduced to ease U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba, but none of these have been enacted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-02-03
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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated August 8, 2008]
This CRS report provides an update on legislative action by the U.S. Congress in regards to the communist nation of Cuba. "Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the communist nation through economic sanctions, which the Bush Administration has tightened significantly. A second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 110th Congress has been how to best support political and economic change in one of the world's remaining communist nations. Unlike past years, however, Congress is examining policy toward Cuba in the context of Fidel Castro's departure from heading the government because of poor health. Raúl Castro, who had served as provision head of government since July 2006, was selected on February 24, 2008 by Cuba's legislature to continue in that role officially."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2008-08-08
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [August 4, 2009]
From the Summary: "On June 28, 2009, the Honduran military detained President Manuel Zelaya and flew him to exile in Costa Rica, ending 27 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. The move was backed by the Honduran Supreme Court and National Congress, which selected Roberto Micheletti, the head of Congress, to fulfill the rest of Zelaya's term. Zelaya's removal was brought on by the ousted president's insistence in pushing ahead with a referendum that was ruled illegal and eventually could have led to changes to the Honduran constitution. The United States and international community have universally condemned the events in Honduras and called for a restoration of Zelaya and the rule of law. Those involved in the ouster and some sectors of Honduran society have rejected the international response, and maintain that Zelaya's removal was an internal matter that was necessary to protect the country's constitution. The political instability brought about by the removal of President Zelaya has created yet another challenge for Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries. In addition to significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions, the country faces a poverty rate of nearly 70%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. While traditional agricultural exports of coffee and bananas are still important for the economy, nontraditional sectors, especially the maquiladora, or export-processing industry, have grown significantly over the past decade."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2009-08-04
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [April 14, 2009]
This report describes the main issues and developments in U.S. policy toward Cuba. "As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 111th Congress is how best to support political and economic change in Cuba. In light of Fidel Castro's departure as head of government, many observers have called for a re-examination of policy. In this new context, two broad approaches have been advanced: a stay the course approach that would maintain the U.S. dual-track policy of isolating the Cuban government while providing support to the Cuban people; and an approach aimed at changing attitudes within the Cuban government and society through increased contact and engagement. On April 13, 2009, President Barack Obama followed through with his campaign pledge to allow unlimited family travel and remittances to Cuba, and the Administration also announced measures to increase telecommunications links with Cuba and to expand the scope of eligible humanitarian donations through gift parcels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-04-14
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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated September 24, 2008]
This CRS report provides an update on legislative action by the U.S. Congress in regards to the communist nation of Cuba. "Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the communist nation through economic sanctions, which the Bush Administration has tightened significantly. A second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 110th Congress has been how to best support political and economic change in one of the world's remaining communist nations. Unlike past years, however, Congress is examining policy toward Cuba in the context of Fidel Castro's departure from heading the government because of poor health. Raúl Castro, who had served as provision head of government since July 2006, was selected on February 24, 2008 by Cuba's legislature to continue in that role officially." There were several legislative initiatives that were introduced in the 110th Congress that would ease sanctions against Cuba and several other initiatives that would tighten sanctions.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2008-09-24
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [March 18, 2009]
This report tracks developments in U.S. Policy toward Cuba and legislative initiatives in the 111th Congress. This updated report includes the approval of three provisions by the 111th Congress intended to ease sanctions on family travel, travel for the marketing of agricultural and medical goods, and payment terms for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. Another initiative, H.R. 1103 would modify a provision of law restricting the registration or enforcement of certain Cuban trademarks. In addition to the provisions approved by the 111th Congress, an account of the March 2009 government shake-up has been included on page 7 of the report. From the Document: "In early March 2009, President Raúl Castro orchestrated a government shake-up that combined four ministries into two and ousted a dozen high-ranking officials, most notably including Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque, Council of Ministers Secretary Carlos Lage, and Minister of Economy and Planning José Luis Rodriguez García."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-03-18
