House Bill Would Lift Embargo on Cuba

Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., introduced a bill on April 30 that would lift the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba and impose export controls on trades with the island. The bill, "United States-Cuba Relations Normalization Act," said the U.S. can “best support democratic change and human rights” in Cuba by, among other conditions, “promoting trade and commerce.” The bill said normal trade relations would help Cuba’s economy transform into a free market and “assist Cuba in adopting regional and world trading rules and principles." If passed, the bill would authorize “new restrictions” on Cuban trade, including export controls under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. The embargo would lift 60 days after the bill is enacted. The bill was introduced the same day President Donald Trump threatened Cuba with the “highest-level sanctions” and a “complete embargo” if it does not stop military operations in Venezuela (see 1904300228).