Reply #40: Engagement, Not Isolation [View All]

[Osolomia]

South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board
Posted October 24 2003

The Senate gave President Bush a stark option on Cuba policy Thursday: Stick with a failed policy of the past, or begin charting a new course that gives the United States a role today in shaping Cuba's future.

In a 59-36 vote, the Senate approved a measure barring the use of government money to enforce travel restrictions to the Communist island. The Senate action mirrors an amendment overwhelmingly approved by the House in September.

The item is tacked onto a $90 billion bill that provides funding and directions to the Transportation and Treasury departments. President Bush has vowed to veto the bill when it shows up at the White House.

The president should think again. The lopsided votes on Capitol Hill show that ending the travel ban, which unreasonably restricts the right of Americans to travel freely, has enormous legislative support, even from members of his own party.

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/editorial/sfl-editafcubasenateoct24,0,5492868.story?coll=sfla-news-editorial