[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 15 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LET'S REEXAMINE THE CUBAN EMBARGO

                                 ______


                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention 
of my colleagues a recent event in California.
  On Wednesday, a caravan of 30 vehicles was stopped at the United 
States-Mexico border by United States Customs officers. The caravan was 
carrying approximately 300 used personal computers and modems for 
medical and educational purposes in Cuba.
  Why was the delivery stopped? Because the United States imposes a 
comprehensive trade and travel embargo against Cuba.
  Mr. Speaker, the equipment these people were trying to deliver to 
Cuba was not high technology. It was not a threat to our national 
security. The equipment--outdated 286 personal computers and used 
modems--was for schools and hospitals in Cuba.
  This recent event demonstrates the problems with our embargo against 
Cuba. How could the Cuban Government oppress the Cuban people with 
obsolete computers? How could these computers be used to threaten the 
security of the United States, a country where many individuals have 
personal computers that are many times more powerful?
  We need to face the fact that the best way to help the Cuban people 
is to work with Cuba, not against it. How better could we bring our 
values to Cuba than help improve the health and welfare of the Cuban 
people? How better could we help Cubans learn about American 
philanthropy and goodwill than support private donations by Americans?
  Mr Speaker, we need to reexamine our approach to Cuba. We are the 
only nation left that imposes such severe restrictions on trade with 
Cuba. Let us help the Cuban people by letting Americans help Cubans.

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