[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    ON PRESIDENT BUSH'S CUBA POLICY

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support 
President Bush's policy on Cuba. The Bush Initiative, which says the 
United States will work with Cuba once Fidel Castro takes concrete 
measures to improve the abysmal human rights situation and lack of 
freedoms granted to his people, is the correct course for us to take.
  The Bush policy clearly places the ball in Castro's court. Unlike 
comments made by former President Jimmy Carter last week, the Bush 
policy recognizes that Castro is a dictator who represses his people 
and that he, therefore, must take the first steps if he is serious 
about normalizing ties to the U.S.
  I concur completely with the President that Castro must free his 
political prisoners, legalize political activity, permit free 
elections, and cease discriminating against Cuban workers before 
Congress can begin to even consider lifting the economic embargo. Until 
the Cuban people are free, trade and other favorable relations with 
Cuba will not help the people. Rather, it will enrich and empower 
Castro and his cronies so they can maintain an iron clasp on freedom.
  Until Castro makes a lasting commitment to freedom, the U.S. cannot 
engage in activity that would prop him up

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