Keeping Castro Out of the Approps Bill (Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen)

I am so very pleased with this marvelous victory! No pro-Castro amendments were introduced during consideration of the financial services appropriations bill and that is a hard fought victory.  Every year the same Castro apologists make it a habit of introducing amendments that seek to weaken the US restrictions on the dictatorial Castro regime.

In prior years, amendments to lift the current educational travel restrictions were always presented; as well as one to lift altogether all the restrictions placed on the regime; and yet another amendment to lift all travel restraints from the US to Cuba. None of these amendments were sought this year.

So many persons deserve recognition for this legislative triumph. My brothers in the House Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), my friend and colleague, Albio Sires (D) from New Jersey, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) for her tireless advocacy of a free Cuba and all the anti-Castro groups who so regularly visit Capitol Hill making their case for freedom and democracy for the oppressed Cuban people.

The battle continues, but we have won an important victory and that must be recognized. We will continue our efforts until the Cuban people can truly say they are free and living in liberty and without the fear and brutality of the despised Castro brothers.