Velazquez on on President's Cuba Visit

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the President’s trip to Cuba:

“The President’s visit to Cuba is another historic step toward normalizing relations between our two countries. Engaging with Cuba in a manner that helps open the country economically and politically is long overdue and I applaud the President for moving U.S. policy in that direction.

“In that regard, it is important we look at ways to foster access to capital for budding entrepreneurs on the island. Helping small businesses and the self-employed in Cuba secure financing for their ventures will improve the lives of the Cuban people and accelerate positive changes that benefit both our nations.”

In February of 2015, Velázquez joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and other Democratic House Members as part of a Congressional delegation visiting Cuba. A member of the Cuba Working Group, Velázquez has long advocated normalizing relations with Cuba, cosponsoring legislation that would reverse the longstanding U.S. policy aimed at isolating the country.

# # #