One of our members, Alvin Meyer, forwarded the following letter he received about recent Congressional votes on Cuba policy. The 9th District Democrat, Steve Rothman, once again shows his stuff by voting to keep Cuban families separated and without visiting rights.

1 July
 
Dear Friends,
 
Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted on several amendments to overturn President Bush's reimposition of the travel ban to Cuba which went into effect last year.
 
For several years in a row, even in the Republican-majority House of Representatives, efforts to end the travel restrictions and change our policy towards Cuba have passed by significant majorities in the House and Senate.
 
But not this year! All amendments lost and Congressman Rothman played a particularly shameful role.
 
- Congressman Rothman voted to prevent Cuban Americans from visiting their relatives in Cuba - even for extreme humanitarian need - except once every three years!
The Davis Amendment failed in a close vote 208 in favor and 211 opposed - Congressman Rothman was one of 19 Democrats in the whole country to vote against this amendment. Congressman Scott Garrett from the Fifth District - and a Republican - voted in favor (and should be congratulated) as did Congressmen Donald Payne (10th CD), Robert Andrews 1st CD), Rush Holt (12th CD), and William Pascrell (8th CD).
 
- Congressman Rothman voted to oppose educational exchanges and to prevent college and university students from traveling to Cuba.
The Lee Amendment failed 187 in favor and 233 opposed - Congressman Rothman was one of 30 Democrats in the country to vote against. In New Jersey, only Congressman Donald Payne and Congressman Rush Holt voted in favor. Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rutgers-Camden, Rutgers-Newark, Princeton University, Montclair State University, Fairleigh Dickinson Univerity, Ramapo College, and Jersey City State University have all organized student programs to Cuba which are now banned.
 
- Finally, Congressman Rothman voted to maintain the U.S. economic embargo/blockade  of Cuba - a 44 year-old completely failed policy which is not supported by a single other country in the world. In the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, only Congressman Donald Payne voted to end the embargo.
The Rangel Amendment failed 169 in favor to 250 opposed.
 
The votes are betrayals of the will of the US people. The votes are betrayals of the best interests of the peoples of our country and of Cuba. They reflect the influence of big money 'contributions' and unprincipled politicians.
 
The fight goes on - as it has for more than 40 years! 
This month 200 citizens from New Jersey and from throughout the US will declare their Constitutional, moral, and human right to travel by committing civil disobedience when they return to the US proudly declaring their visit to Cuba. Members of Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan, the Venceremos Brigade, the Cesar Chavez Labor Challenge, and the Women's Travel Challenge will all return on August 1st to the US. They deserve our unqualified support.
 
Please let Congressman Rothman know what you think of his votes.
 
peace,
 
Bob Guild