House Passes Moran Amendment to Increase Agricultural Trade with Cuba

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House of Representatives today approved an amendment offered by Congressman Jerry Moran to the Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Moran's amendment seeks to increase the ability of U.S. agriculture producers to market their products to Cuba.

"Unilateral sanctions by the United States are only harmful to our agriculture industry and our farmers," Moran said. "Unfortunately, the Department of Treasury continues to frustrate the ability of American producers to sell their products to Cuba. There is no reason for our own government to make these sales more difficult."

In 2005, against the will of Congress, the Department of Treasury changed its interpretation of the cash payment in advance rule as it relates to agriculture exports to Cuba. The change caused payments to be made before the ships leave the ports rather than making payment upon delivery. Agriculture exports to Cuba were on the rise from 2001 to 2005, but the change resulted in decreases in agricultural trade between the two countries. Moran's amendment prohibits Department of Treasury funds from being used to administer, implement or enforce its change of the payment of cash in advance rule.

In 2000, Moran successfully opened the door to agriculture trade with Cuba. The legislation allowed for the export of agriculture products to Cuba for the first time in 38 years.  

"Cuba must be able to count on the consistency of U.S. trading rules," Moran said. "Cuba will get its goods elsewhere if the rule persists. The only people who are hurt by this are American farmers."

This amendment is supported by numerous organizations within the agriculture community. Moran is a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture.

###