Bill Text: MI HR0426 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the President and Congress of the United States to normalize trade relations with the Republic of Cuba by dissolving the current U.S. trade embargo and other barriers that have been levied against the island nation including the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-12-07 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [HR0426 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0426-Introduced.html
house resolution no.426
Reps. Rabhi, Aiyash, LaGrand, Brixie, Cynthia Johnson, Cavanagh, Bellino and Pohutsky offered the following resolution:
Whereas, For more than six decades, the United States has maintained a strict embargo against the Republic of Cuba through the most comprehensive set of economic sanctions levied against any nation. Through various laws, regulations, and presidential orders, the U.S. government has placed significant restrictions and prohibitions on American-Cuban relationships, particularly in trade, travel, and financial transactions; and
Whereas, The Republic of Cuba is home to more than 11 million people. The close proximity of the United States makes Cuba a logical partner for expanded U.S. trade and export of agricultural products. The Republic of Cuba imported $2 billion in agricultural products to feed the Cuban people in 2021, but only $157 million was imported from the United States. The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that American exports to Cuba would rise to $1.8 billion annually if the embargo is dissolved, and another study predicted an increase in agricultural exports up to $1.2 billion dollars, and improved access to U.S. producers would provide Cubans with cheaper and more plentiful food options; and
Whereas, Michigan's agricultural sector would benefit from greater access to Cuban consumers. Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Michigan, and access to the Cuban market means new opportunities for Michigan growers to export dry beans, dairy products, fresh fruit, and other in-demand commodities and food products to Cuban consumers. The United States already exports $1.33 billion in agricultural products to the Dominican Republic, and open trade with Cuba is expected to produce similar U.S. exports to Cuban markets; and
Whereas, It is time to end the more than half-century long trade embargo against the Republic of Cuba. The relaxing of regulations and prohibitions on American exports and financial services will boost the economies in both countries and allow American farmers, ranchers, and food companies to efficiently contribute to the food security needs of the Cuban citizenry. Through presidential and congressional action, the dissolution of trade barriers can expand diplomatic relations between the American and Cuban governments, allow freer travel, partnerships, and trade, and provide an opportunity for all citizens to discover and connect with new cultures; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the President and Congress of the United States to normalize trade relations with the Republic of Cuba by dissolving the current U.S. trade embargo and other barriers that have been levied against the island nation including the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, President of the United States Senate and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
