Schakowsky Statement on Cuba Policy Change

CHICAGO, IL (April 13, 2009) - Following the Obama Administration's announcement today to remove all restrictions on family travel and remittances to Cuba from the United States and to authorize telecommunications systems and contracts to be developed between the two nations, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, released the following statement in support of the White House's new policy.

"We've learned that good fences do not make good neighbors and I am pleased President Obama has taken modest, but important, first steps in normalizing US-Cuba relations. Cuban-Americans are now relieved of the hardship of limited communication with family and friends only 90 miles away. While there is still much to be done to improve the diplomatic and cultural exchange between our two nations, this policy change gives me hope that Cubans and Americans are on the path to overdue reconciliation."