Congress Re-Examines Cuba Embargo

[Terri]

By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press
March 4, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congressional opponents of the half-century-old attempt to isolate Cuba have been emboldened by Fidel Castro's resignation. But people who might be planning their vacation getaway to Havana should also be mindful that while President Fidel may be gone, President Bush, a staunch defender of the embargo, still has a year to go.

For years lawmakers of both parties have been trying to chip away at the Cold War trade, travel and home visit restrictions aimed at undermining a hostile government just 90 miles from U.S. shores. They argue that last month's change in leadership from the ailing Fidel to his brother Raul provides the opportunity to end a prolonged exercise in futility.

''Our policy leaves us without influence at this critical moment, and this serves neither the U.S. national interest nor average Cubans,'' more than 100 House members, including nine Republicans, wrote Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. ''After 50 years, it is time for us to think and act anew.'' Twenty-four senators wrote a similar letter to Rice.

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