Hoeven Supports Agricultural Trade With Cuba, But Also Presses for Human Rights Changes

WASHINGTON – At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing today, Senator John Hoeven pressed federal officials to ensure measures are in place to compel reforms in the Cuban government’s policies regarding human rights as part of opening more agricultural trade.

“Americans and Cubans would benefit from increased agricultural trade, but Cuba should make key reforms, including changing its approach to human rights and providing greater freedom to its people,” Hoeven said. “As we expand agriculture trade, we need to keep pressure on Cuba to change its human rights policies before we normalize diplomatic relations.

“Further, we need to make sure that our exporters are paid for their products and that exports actually go to the Cuban people, the entrepreneurs and small business owners who are pushing for more individual opportunity and free enterprise. Only by accomplishing these goals can we ensure both more trade and real progress in human rights.”

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