Statement of Congressman McGovern (MA02) on Obama’s changes to U.S. – Cuba policy and freeing of Alan Gross

Congressman McGovern with Alan Gross

submitted by the office of Congressman McGovern

“Today is a historic, long-overdue day.  At long last, the Cold War policies of the past five decades are almost over.

I have long supported normalizing relations between the United States and Cuba, easing travel restrictions and allowing greater engagement between our two peoples.  The changes announced today by President Obama open the way for a more mature and productive relationship between our nations

I wish to thank all those in the U.S. and Cuban governments whose courage, flexibility and commitment to better relations contributed to today’s historic announcement and humanitarian actions. I am proud to have worked alongside Senators Leahy, Levin and Durbin and my good friend and colleague Rep. Van Hollen in jointly pursuing many of the humanitarian actions and policies announced today.  Many individuals and NGOs have worked tirelessly for positive changes to U.S.-Cuban relations and called for humanitarian gestures by both governments.  In particular, I am very grateful for the interventions by Pope Francis.  

My warmest thoughts and best wishes are with the families who are being reunited today after so many years of separation, most especially Judy Gross and the friends, colleagues and loved ones of Alan Gross and a long-imprisoned U.S. intelligence officer. I thank President Obama for resolving this difficult humanitarian matter.

I look forward to working with the President to consolidate and advance the measures announced today, and I commend him and his Administration for choosing to create a better future for the people of the United States and the people of Cuba.”