SF 2183

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/21/2017 09:21am

A resolution
urging the United States Congress to permanently repeal trade, financial, and travel
restrictions to Cuba.

WHEREAS, the relationship between the United States and Cuba has been marked by tension
and confrontation instead of cooperation and diplomacy; and

WHEREAS, for more than five decades, the United States has maintained, through the most
comprehensive set of economic sanctions levied against any nation, a strict embargo on the Republic
of Cuba; through various federal acts, regulations, and presidential orders, the embargo places
significant restrictions and prohibitions on American-Cuban relationships, notably on trade, travel,
and financial transactions; and

WHEREAS, U.S. laws and regulations make American exports to Cuba difficult and
burdensome, if not outright prohibited; under provisions from the Trade Sanctions Reform and
Export Enhancement Act of 2000 and export regulations from the U.S. Department of Commerce,
U.S. food and agricultural entities are legally permitted to export to the island nation, but doing so
requires prior permission from the U.S. Department of Commerce and compliance with numerous
federal export regulations; and

WHEREAS, U.S. financial restrictions limit the ability of American and Minnesota entities
to competitively serve the market, allowing international competitors to capitalize off potential
U.S. market share, with the U.S. now ranking third in agricultural exports to Cuba; and

WHEREAS, Cuba imports up to 80 percent of its food or $2 billion annually in agricultural
products, making the Republic of Cuba a logical target for expanded U.S. food and agricultural
exports; the U.S. has the potential to enhance Cuban citizens' access to affordable food while driving
growth in both countries and allowing U.S. farmers, ranchers, and food companies to efficiently
contribute to the food security needs of the Cuban citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota is a top agriculture exporter, with soybeans and corn accounting for
nearly 40 percent of the state's total export value, both of which among Cuba's major agricultural
imports; under an ideal trade scenario, Minnesota farmers could enjoy at least $45 million in new
exports annually; the state's total economic benefit would be nearly $92 million, including 900 new
jobs; and

WHEREAS, ending the American embargo against Cuba will boost the Cuban economy and
lead to an improved quality of life for the Cuban people; through congressional action, breaking
down the barriers between Americans and Cubans will expand diplomatic relations, travel,
partnerships, and trade, allowing all citizens the opportunity to discover and reconnect on mutual
interests, benefiting Cubans and Americans alike; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it supports national
efforts to remove all trade, financial, and travel restrictions on Cuba and urges the President and
the Congress of the United States to take all necessary steps to see that this end is accomplished.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United States, the
President and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the United
States House of Representatives, the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry, the chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, and Minnesota's Senators and
Representatives in Congress.