[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CUBAN LIBERTY AND DEMOCRATIC SOLIDARITY ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 927) to seek 
     international sanctions against the Castro government in 
     Cuba, to plan for support of a transition government leading 
     to a democratically elected government in Cuba, and for other 
     purposes:

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to strongly oppose H.R. 927, the 
Helms-Burton Cuba Embargo Act.
  The Helms-Burton bill will tighten an economic noose around the 
island of Cuba in an attempt to remove Fidel Castro from power. 
Unfortunately, instead of prompting real democratic reform, this act 
will simply lead to more misery for innocent Cuban people.
  Right now, the Cuban people are struggling under the weight of a 
United States-imposed embargo which has been in existence for over 30 
years.
  This embargo has contributed to the widespread human misery in Cuba. 
Many of the problems facing Cuba today, including malnutrition and lack 
of modern medical equipment have been made worse by our embargo.
  This embargo has also helped to stunt the Cuban economy while 
alienating the United States from other allies in this hemisphere. Our 
friends in Latin America want to promote trade with Cuba and bring that 
nation into the Organization of American States. H.R. 927 flies in the 
face of all efforts toward inter-American cooperation.
  In light of these real concerns, Secretary of State Warren 
Christopher has warned against passage of this bill. He knows that the 
Helms-Burton Cuba Embargo Act will have dangerous repercussions for 
United States foreign policy in Latin America and worldwide. Secretary 
Christopher has appropriately indicated that he will recommend that 
President Clinton veto this ill-conceived legislation.
  Today I stand with the Cuban people, with Secretary Warren 
Christopher, and with members of the Marin Interfaith Task Force on 
Latin America in opposing this bill.
  I urge all of my colleagues, don't be persuaded by cold war rhetoric. 
Don't punish innocent Cuban people. Vote against H.R. 927.

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