[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PROMOTING AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL EXPORTS TO CUBA ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in 
Congress to lend support to The Promoting American Agricultural and 
Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2007 (H.R. 2819). This bill addresses 
several important issues related to our relationship with Cuba and is 
intended to remove obstacles to legitimate transactions.
  First, it removes pre-payment requirement for U.S. agricultural 
exports to Cuba. It also allows for direct payments to U.S. banks for 
purchases by Cuba, instead of third-country banks. From 2000 to 2004, 
American agricultural producers were allowed to embark on a trading 
relationship with Cuba. During the 4 year period, agricultural trade 
with Cuba grew from nothing to being a $380 million dollar trading 
industry. However through sanctions placed by the administration, this 
lucrative trading relationship was terminated after the administration 
placed barriers. Our American agricultural producers have potential to 
gain much-needed sales revenue in the Cuban market. Our agricultural 
sector has recently experienced declining sales numbers. Cuba, a new 
trading partner, will be a good customer and revitalize this area. It 
seems illogical that while other nations are taking advantage of this 
lucrative trading opportunity, the administration is denying us access 
to this opportunity. This bill is about America's right to prosper by 
participating and competing in international trade.
  This legislation provides for the lift of the travel ban and also for 
the expedited issuance of U.S. visas for Cubans involved in 
agricultural purchases. As Americans, we pride ourselves on how our 
liberties are protected and respected by our government. However, 
banning American citizens to travel to Cuba is a blatant infringement 
on our democratic freedom to travel without restrictions. It is not 
appropriate for the government to prevent citizens to visit Cuba. Also, 
Cuban Americans should have the right to visit their native country 
without limitations placed on them. Scholars, architects, travelers and 
students should have an opportunity for cultural exchanges with Cuba.
  Another provision included in the bill would eliminate on-site 
verification requirements for U.S. medicines and medical supplies, 
which currently is a major impediment on sales. This restriction makes 
the process of exporting medical goods more costly and difficult.
  This act would recognize certain Cuban trademarks, while protecting 
U.S. trademarks there, by repealing Section 211 of the FY 1999 Omnibus 
Appropriations Act, which bars U.S. courts from hearing claims by 
foreign nationals asserting rights to trademarks similar to or 
associated with expropriated property. Section 211 currently violates 
the regulations of the World Trade Organization. Cuba has recently 
threatened to not uphold trademark protection for American companies 
because of the unfair balance between our country and theirs.
  Finally, it also provides proceeds to fund an agricultural export 
promotion program for agricultural export promotion activities with 
respect to Cuba during a 5 year period. It is imperative that we find 
new markets to income opportunities for our farming community; 
therefore, this bill provides for support of an Agricultural Export 
Promotion Program with respect to Cuba to be administered by the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture. This bill would allow us to achieve this.
  It is time to depart from our flawed foreign policy on Cuba and 
normalize our relations with this nation. I strongly urge you to join 
me in Promoting the American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba 
Act in 2007.

                          ____________________