[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CUBA-U.S. RELATIONS BY EMILY GUENTHER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the 
brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my 
Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening 
to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. 
They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that 
sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice 
to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the 
importance of being an active participant in the political process. 
Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics 
and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues.
  Emily Guenther attends Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas. The 
essay topic is Cuba-U.S. Relations.

       The United States and Cuba severed relations in 1961 
     because of speculation that the Cuban government could not be 
     trusted. At that time, Fidel Castro established trade ties 
     with the Soviet Union amid rumors that the U.S. was using the 
     embassy for spies, which caused tension between the two. And 
     for more than 50 years the conflict between the two countries 
     has continued.
       But in July of 2015, Cuba and The United States re-
     established relations and opened embassies in Havana and 
     Washington D.C. This event has triggered much debate; with 
     many Americans believing that this is an opportunity to 
     regain trust with Cuba and open new areas of growth. This has 
     been a hot topic in Washington because of the different views 
     and opinions from both sides.
       Many favor renewed relations as positive step, especially 
     for the people along the coast with many immigrants settling 
     in places such as Florida. They also argue that with mutual 
     cooperation on issues such as exploration for oil, and 
     increased trade and tourism, this can be a large boost of 
     economy that will be crucial in the building of ties with 
     Cuba.
       Others have reacted more negatively and strongly oppose 
     mending relations until numerous issues are addressed. Some 
     find that Fidel Castro not being punished for his 
     dictatorship and the lack of human rights is unfair for the 
     citizens of Cuba.
       After the new relations were addressed some things were 
     changed quickly such as travel to and from Cuba becoming a 
     lot easier, and few minor business deals being established. 
     But as some relations have been established, most things 
     remain the same; the embargo of trade with Cuba by the U.S. 
     is still in place, which only Congress can change. And Cuba 
     remains a communist government without free elections and 
     still has questionable human rights issues that must be 
     addressed. There continues to be much debate with little 
     change since both embassies were established, and it will be 
     difficult to undo relationships that have been hardened for 
     many years.