Legislative Background on U.S.-Cuba Policy
Recent Action by Congress on Trade and Travel to Cuba
In April 2009, shortly after taking office, President Barack Obama signaled that he was open to a new dialogue with Cuba. At remarks delivered at the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago, the President said: “The U.S. seeks a new beginning with Cuba. I know there is a longer journey that must be traveled in overcoming decades of mistrust, but there are critical steps we can take toward a new day.” Earlier that year, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had welcomed an offer for talks from Cuban President Raúl Castro, who took over duties from his ailing brother Fidel…
