Source:  House Agriculture Committee, 6/10/10

Today, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson released a letter signed by more than 70 pro-democracy Cuban leaders that strongly encourages passage of H.R. 4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act introduced by House Agriculture Committee Collin Peterson (D-MN).
 
"When the strongest pro-democracy activists in Cuba say that the current travel and agriculture trade restrictions only support the Castro regime, you have to ask yourself why we would keep these restrictions in place," Chairman Peterson said. "The statement of these pro-democracy, anti-Castro dissidents supporting H.R 4645 is a strong indication that people who oppose this bill are not speaking on behalf of the Cuban people, regardless of what they say. Who are we helping by continuing a policy that has been in
place for 50 years and has yet to change anything?"
 
The Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act would facilitate expanded U.S. agricultural trade with Cuba and allow Americans to travel more freely to Cuba. This bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by 56 other Members of Congress, including Representatives Jerry Moran of Kansas, Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut, and Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri.
 
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing earlier this year to review H.R. 4645, and Chairman Peterson, Congressman Moran and other supporters are working to gather support to pass this historic legislation.
 
A copy of the letter sent by more than 70 anti-Castro Cuban leaders is available on the House Agriculture Committee's website at agriculture.house.gov/inside/Legislation/111/CubaCivilSocietyletter.pdf .