Rangel Applauds Governor Cuomo Announcement of Clinical Trial of Cuban-Developed Lung Cancer Treatment

New York, NY –Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a groundbreaking clinical trial of  a Cuban-developed lung cancer treatment at  the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.

“Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement today represents another major step forward for United States and Cuba. Partnerships like the one between the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Havana-based Center for Molecular Immunology have the potential to yield incredible benefits for both of our nations. I thank the Governor for his leadership in strengthening the connection between Cuba and New York.

Governor Cuomo has been a staunch supporter in establishing the first ever Harlem/Havana Music and Cultural Festival to fruition earlier this year and it was my honor as co-chair of the event to work with him as we watched a truly unique cultural exchange come to life in the streets of Harlem.

I hope that other leaders around the nation, including those in Congress, will take bold action to advance U.S.-Cuban ties. I have been a steadfast advocate of lifting the embargo since I first introduced my Free Trade with Cuba Act in 1993. While we have made substantive progress in charting a new course in our diplomatic relationship with Cuba, it is time for Congress to do its part and finally lift the embargo."