J.T. Waggoner offers resolution to lift Cuban trade embargo

As the Senate session got underway Tuesday, Sen. J.T. Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) offered a resolution urging Congress to normalize relations with Cuba and lift the trade embargo which has been in place for more than 50 years.

SJR43 claims that the embargo creates “significant restrictions and prohibitions on 20 American-Cuban relationships, notable on trade, travel, and 21 financial transactions.” Further, the resolution alleges that such restrictions make access to American goods “burdensome,” if not completely prohibited.

As a result, Waggoner’s resolution suggests that the easing of restrictions against Cuba would create “new opportunities to grow our nation’s agricultural sector and create jobs in rural communities across the U.S.,” adding that Cuba is home to 11 million consumers, and in close proximity to the U.S., which makes it a “logical target for expanded U.S. food and agricultural exports.”

The resolution further states that easing restrictions against the island would improve the quality of life for Cuban citizens and significantly boost the Cuban economy.

Waggoner’s resolution is currently pending action in the Senate Rules Committee.