Rangel Praises Nomination of Jeffrey DeLaurentis

Washington, D.C. - 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 in response to President Barack Obama’s nomination of Jeffery DeLaurentis as the first United Stated Ambassador to Cuba in 55 years:

“I am pleased with President Barack Obama’s nomination of our top Cuba diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis as the United States Ambassador to Cuba. Ambassador DeLaurentis, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, would be the first full ambassador to Havana since October 1960. I am confident that both the American and Cuban people will benefit from the leadership of DeLaurentis in promoting better ties between our two nations.

I commend President Obama’s commitment to renewing our relationship with Cuba, but Congress must now do its part to end the most enduring trade embargo in modern history. Ending the outdated embargo will allow the American people to pursue business opportunities in an eager new Cuban market. I first introduced my Free Trade with Cuba Act in 1993 and have repeatedly introduced bills and pushed for policies that would end the embargo ever since. We must also end the travel restrictions to Cuba, which have been in place since 1962 and prevent not just the free flow of people, goods, and ideas, but also inhibit a potentially booming tourist industry from taking root and creating jobs. My Export Freedom to Cuba Act would remove travel restrictions, restore Americans' access, and help bring democratic values to the island.

Permitting trade with Cuba will not only generate revenue for our economy, but will also allow us to exchange American ideals that can help foster democratic principles in Cuba.  Through greater people-to-people exchanges we encourage peace, democracy, and human rights. I was proud to see this vision come to life this August with the first annual Havana Harlem Music & Cultural Festival in my congressional district. We must continue to open new doors and opportunities for our constituents. Let us end the ineffective embargo soon and bring about real change in our relationship. One vital step in normalizing our status with Cuba is securing an Ambassador, and I call on the Senate to confirm Jeffrey DeLaurentis as soon as possible.”