Cuba Deal in the Works; Nelson Prepared to Support Spending Bill
All signs are pointing to an accommodation of the standoff over Cuba policy that jeopardized a few key votes on the $410 billion 2009 spending bill (and trapped a couple of science nominations in limbo).
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is reported to be working with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) to assuage his concerns that elements of the spending bill would excessively relax the trade embargo against Cuba. But interestingly enough, another senator with identical concerns over the Cuba language, Bill Nelson (D-FL), was prepared to vote for the spending bill last night*, his spokesman told me.
The key for Nelson was not removing the Cuba provisions at issue, but rather "making sure they don't have unintended consequences," Nelson spokesman Dan McLaughlin said.
The apparent disconnect between Nelson's and Menendez's positions notwithstanding, here's the skinny on what specifically alarmed the senators.
The spending bill contains language that would allow Cuban-Americans to visit relatives on the isolated island once a year -- as opposed to once every three years, under current law. But as the AP explains, George W. Bush actually changed the law from once-a-year to once-every-three-years in 2004 (as he was fighting for re-election, naturally), so this provision wasn't really the crux of the controversy.
The spending bill also contains language that expands the licensing ability for those selling food and drugs in Cuba, adding the option of a "general license" for the marketing of such items. In addition, the requirement that cash be paid in advance for shipment of goods from Cuba is slated to be slightly relaxed.
It was this latter provision that attracted skepticism from Nelson, who wanted to ensure that no cash from Cuba-based transactions could end up in the pocket of the government. His concerns were satisfied before last night's vote, however ... which raises the question of why Menendez's apparently weren't.
* Late Update: To clarify, Nelson's support for the bill remains contingent on the White House providing assurances that the spending bill ultimately won't expand trade or commerce with Cuba -- the "consequences" referred to above.
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
Poor Geithner. He is all alone in Treasury dealing with the worst economic down turn since the Great Depression and he now has to deal with whiny Senator Menendez who is throwing a tantrum.
It's time for Congress people to GROW UP.
March 6, 2009 1:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I really think this Cuba is a 'straw dog", Cuba is a thriving island and really none the worse for wear, since many other countries around the world trade and it's citizens visit Cuba yearly. I wish Sen. Menendez would explain his concerns more clearly....being of Cuban heritage is not an explanation.
March 6, 2009 1:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think every country trades with them already. My Italian relatives have all been there and they say its great.
Unless the CIA/NSA knows something we don't, I don't understand why they don't open things up. The Cubans are hungry for McDonalds and Walmart!
March 6, 2009 2:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like all cowards, he fights them over there by remaining over here.
March 6, 2009 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
The OFAC (Office of Foreign Asset Control) rule was also announced roughly around the time of the 04 elections. Until then, all Cuba had to do was pay for the goods while they were in transit, and they were worried that the people who fled during the revolution or their descendants would file suit seeking reparations for their losses and would lay claim to the money deposited in US banks before the ships had left port. As with the tax code, all Obama wants to do pretty much is go back to the way things were before Bush took a monkey wrench to government policy, not completely end the embargo.
March 6, 2009 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Menedez was elected to represent the people of New Jersey. He's obviously more concerned with his own ethnic group than he is with the rest of his constituents, let alone the country.
He's a complete disgrace. What's even worse is his elevation to a leadership position by his fellow Senate Democrats. That tells you all you need to know about those limp, weak excuses for politicians.
It's high time that the Democratic party members who get spat upon by their elected representatives started putting up competent, tough primary opponents to these frauds. Enough already.
March 6, 2009 1:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Menendez is sabotaging his party, his president, and his country with this behavior. He needs to loose his job at the DSCC and have a trip to the woodshed.
March 6, 2009 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
The embargo was enacted by President Eisenhower in response to the nationalization of American Companies ( Exxon, Shell, ATT, ITT, Sears,Ford,United Fruit Company,Chase Manhattan, National City Bank,Reader Digest,etc.)operating in Cuba, by Castro, without any compensation.
If you feel that it is OK for the goverment to take your property ( ask the Dupont Family, their estate in Varadero Beach is a restaurant today ) without due compensation, then you may dis-agree with the embargo.
However, the use of the Omnibus Bill to conduct Foreing Affairs is not good. It is deceptive.
If the president wants to chart a new policy toward Cuba, he should do it up front, without deception. He should take the bull by the horns, discuss the matter and explain the reasons. Cuba is not a subject matter for the U.S. budget. It is not for the Cubans or the Cuban exiles, and neither it is for the American people.
No wonder our country is in dis-array!
March 6, 2009 7:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some of the folks nationalized by Cuba were legit -- others probably owed reparations to Cuba for supporting a corrupt dictator.
March 8, 2009 11:56 AM | Reply | Permalink