SB 2017-060: Ending the Embargo of Cuba Act (Passed)

[Associate Justice PiT]

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Sponsor: Blair

     I hereby open the Senate floor for debate.

[Blair]

Thank you Pit for Pming me about this.

It basically formalizes something that the US has done in RL, and something that I reckon a lot of people here would support, it's just something that we've not simply got round to doing.

The first part of the bill repeals the legislation that has enforced the embargo, and which frankly had some stupid restrictions in it, such as banning ships that had stopped in Cuba from going to a US port for the next 180 days.

The second part basically reaffirms our commitment to a democratic Cuba, which promotes pluralism, the right to free trade unions, free elections etc. I really want this to be the main point of the bill- we're not at all giving up on our mission for a free, and prosperous Cuba. I feel, like I'm sure a lot of Senators do that the existing system does not do that- we've made peace with Vietnam, China and many other former foes.

The best way to fight for human rights in Cuba is to engage with it. I hope the Senate will support this bill

[Grumpier Than Thou]

I support this measure, and it is long overdue. There is no reason to continue sanctioning the Cuban people for the actions of a past regime. Forging a bond with our neighbors, and working with them to further interests of human rights, freedom, and equality should be first and foremost on the minds of both the Atlasian government and the Cuban government.

[LLR]

I have no qualms, this is a fantastic bill

[Terry the Fat Shark]

I encourage the Senate to pass this

[Leinad]

As of right now I'm completely in favor of passing this, although I would like to see a devil's advocate opinion for the sake of debate.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

This act has my full support.

[Associate Justice PiT]

As of right now I'm completely in favor of passing this, although I would like to see a devil's advocate opinion for the sake of debate.

     If someone is to play devil's advocate, it is probably worth noting that Cuba is still officially a communist state under Raul Castro, even though it is undergoing liberalization.

[Anna Komnene]

As of right now I'm completely in favor of passing this, although I would like to see a devil's advocate opinion for the sake of debate.

     If someone is to play devil's advocate, it is probably worth noting that Cuba is still officially a communist state under Raul Castro, even though it is undergoing liberalization.

Another point that the devil might bright up if he were to advocate against this bill is the protest that broke out in Miami over this issue that then spread across the nation.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

It may also be worth asking if Secretary Bessell has any objections to the act, whom I assume better understands our current standing with Cuba.

[Leinad]

It may also be worth asking if Secretary Bessell has any objections to the act, whom I assume better understands our current standing with Cuba.

Agreed. I will give the good Secretary two phone calls: one notifying him that his presence is requested here, another notifying him that his refrigerator is running.

[Mike Thick]

I have no objections to this. If fifty years of this embargo haven't improved human rights in Cuba, fifty more likely won't either. Additionally, it is my understanding that this wouldn't be a *major* departure from the actions President Blair took on the issue.

You might want to watch out for some political tensions in domestic Cubano communities (as was explored by Kalwejt a while ago IIRC), but I don't think that's a significant concern.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     If we are all satisfied, I can move ahead with a final vote soon.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     The final vote is now open on this bill. Please vote aye, nay, or abstain.

[LLR]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

     Aye

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Aye

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Aye.

[Anna Komnene]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

     This bill has enough votes to pass. Senators have 24 hours to change their vote.

[Leinad]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

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