More loosening of Cuba restrictions expected before the Obama visit

Large quantities of green beer may be poured in honor of St. Patrick’s Day next week, but it appears likely that partiers may end up celebrating much more than the Irish saint. Sources inside the Obama administration have told Reuters that President Obama plans to announce a further loosening of travel and trade restrictions on Cuba this March 17. The announcement will come a few days ahead of the president’s visit to the island on March 21-22.

As reported by Reuters, “The new rules will mark the latest effort by Obama to use his executive powers to sidestep the U.S. Congress and chip away at the more than half-century-old U.S. economic embargo against Cuba.”

Included in the anticipated announcement are plans to make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba under the 12 authorized categories for travel, which include educational and cultural visits. Also planned is the loosening of trade and banking rules.

Reuters also reported that “The White House has invited members of Congress to accompany the president, and congressional aides told Reuters about 20, mostly Obama’s fellow Democrats, were expected to go.”

Progreso Weekly had not heard from south Florida lawmakers, especially the Cuban-Americans, and expected “the usual suspects” to oppose the announcement vehemently the same way they’ve opposed the president’s visit.

“‘We continue to look at additional regulatory changes that could be made as part of the administration’s efforts to further normalize relations with Cuba,’ an Obama administration official,” told Reuters. No specifics were given.

President Obama will be the first sitting president to visit Cuba since Calvin Coolidge did so in 1928.