Statement on the New Course with Cuba

Critics of the approach announced by President Obama would have us continue a failed Cold War-era policy of isolation that for more than 50 years has produced no change in Cuba's policies. This new course in bilateral relations for trade, travel and exchange of ideas will be a positive force for change within Cuba. It's a positive step for economic opportunity in both countries. Diplomatically, the move is a step forward in U.S. relations in Latin America, where U.S.-Cuba policy has been an unproductive distraction to important work in other areas including counter-narcotics, trade, and climate change. Further, we believe there are real security benefits that come from normalizing relations with Cuba and not having a giant blind spot in our backyard.