IL HR0254

The U.S. embargo on Cuba has been in place since 1960, with main restrictions on trade and travel continuing despite President Obama's 2014 diplomatic opening and executive actions to ease some regulations.

Illinois would benefit from restored trade with Cuba, enabling export of industrial and agricultural products and import of Cuban medicines like Herberprot-p and CIMAvax, while Illinois businesses seek partnerships in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biomedical research.

The House Resolution denounces the embargo and travel restrictions as harmful to the interests of Cuba, the United States, and Illinois, and as a violation of U.S. citizens' and residents' rights to travel and conduct trade.

The resolution urges President Biden to renew engagement with Cuba as initiated by the Obama administration, rescind restrictive regulations, and restaff the Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. and the U.S. embassy in Havana.

The resolution urges Congress to pass legislation ending the 59-year-old embargo and travel restrictions on both U.S. and Cuban citizens.