PRINTER'S NO. 934
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
139
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY McILHINNEY, BREWSTER, RESCHENTHALER, MENSCH AND
SCARNATI, JUNE 12, 2017
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, JUNE 12, 2017
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Urging Congress to normalize relations with the Cuban government
and lift the current embargo and other trade barriers with
the Republic of Cuba.
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 with the
Republic of Cuba; and
WHEREAS, Through various Federal acts, regulations and
presidential orders, the embargo places significant restrictions
and prohibitions on American-Cuban relationships, notably trade,
travel and financial transactions; and
WHEREAS, United States laws and regulations make American
exports to Cuba difficult and burdensome, if not outright
prohibited; and
WHEREAS, Under provisions of the Trade Sanctions Reform and
Export Enhancement Act of 2000 and export regulations of the
Department of Commerce, United States food and agricultural
entities are legally permitted to export to Cuba, but doing so
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requires prior permission from the Department of Commerce and
compliance with numerous Federal export regulations; and
WHEREAS, Despite the ability to legally export, financial
restrictions limit the ability of American entities to
competitively serve the market, allowing international
competitors to capitalize from potential United States market
share; and
WHEREAS, Relaxing restrictions and prohibitions on United
States exports to Cuba will present new opportunities to grow
Pennsylvania's and our nation's agricultural sector and create
jobs in rural communities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Cuba imports $2 billion annually in
agricultural products to feed Cuba's people, who may benefit
from Pennsylvania's agriculture industry, the leading industry
of this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Historical, cultural and commercial ties exist
between Pennsylvania and Cuba; and
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Matanzas, Cuba, are
sister cities; and
WHEREAS, Many opportunities are opening with regard to trade
with Cuba, which will benefit Pennsylvania manufacturing,
agriculture and other industries, and small businesses; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania with its world class port and close
proximity to Cuba is well positioned to ship products to the
Cuban market; and
WHEREAS, The Republic of Cuba, home to more than 11 million
consumers in close proximity to the United States, is a logical
target for expanded United States food and agricultural exports;
and
WHEREAS, Normalizing trade relations between the United
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States and Cuba will enhance Cuban citizens' access to
affordable food while providing the United States farm and
business community with new market access opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Normalized trade will drive growth in both countries
and allow farmers, ranchers and food companies in the United
States to efficiently contribute to the food security needs of
the Cuban citizenry; 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; and
WHEREAS, 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; therefore be it
RESOLVED (the House of Representatives concurring), That the
General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urge the
Congress of the United States to normalize relations with the
Cuban government and lift the current embargo and other trade
barriers with the Republic of Cuba; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to
the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the
United States House of Representatives and the members of the
Pennsylvania congressional delegation.
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