Historic, Bipartisan Votes in House Reject President Obama’s Policy of Appeasement of the Castro Regime

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 5, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives issued two strong rebukes of President Obama’s policy towards Cuba in both the Commerce, Justice, and Science and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bills for FY 2016.

“This week, the House strongly confirmed its commitment to support key American values by denying U.S. exports to the Cuban military, and ensuring that the property claims of Americans are respected.

“The House issued two strong rebukes of President’s Obama’s absurd policy toward Cuba which turns a blind eye to U.S. law and channels resources to the Cuban people’s oppressors. The Farr Amendment to CJS, which would have allowed direct exports to the Cuban military, was rejected by a vote of 153-273, and the Barbara Lee amendment to THUD, which would have allowed the use of confiscated properties for new flights and the docking of marine vessels, was rejected by a vote of 176-247. The House unequivocally voted to stand with the Cuban people and uphold the core American principles of liberty and the rule of law.

“On December 17, 2014, President Obama stated, ‘I believe that more resources should be able to reach the Cuban people.’ Certainly supporting the Cuban people does not include channeling goods to the oppressive Cuban military and intelligence services, nor does it include facilitating the unlawful use of stolen properties that were illegally confiscated from Americans. President Obama purports to ‘help’ the Cuban people through policies that actually empower and fund the Cuban military and intelligence services that oppress them, and while facilitating the trafficking of stolen property.

“Regrettably, President Obama has turned a blind eye to U.S. law and longstanding U.S. policy which prohibits tourism dollars to the Castro regime and expressly protects Americans’ property rights. The House today strongly expressed its support of U.S. law, its full intention to continue to uphold core American values, and ensuring the respect of both human rights and property rights.