Bill easing Cuba travel rules gains support

Bill easing Cuba travel rules gains support Proposed legislation that would ease restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba is gaining support, with at least 39 co-sponsors on the House version of the legislation.
   The bill was introduced in the Senate this month with bipartisan support from lawmakers located primarily in states with agricultural interests hoping to sell goods in Cuba.
   Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is leading the effort, following up on an issue he has championed since 2003. Other supporters include Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y.; and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., according to reports in the International Trade Daily and an industry newsletter from the law firm of Sandler Travis and Rosenberg.
   'Agricultural sales to Cuba have dropped for two consecutive years. Congress expressly intended to allow for cash-basis agricultural sales to Cuba and yet, since the rule took effect, I am unaware of any more such sales transacted on a cash basis,' Baucus said.