COLLINS WORKS WITH COLLEAGUES TO END CUBA TRAVEL BAN

WASHINGTON, DC -- With Senator Susan Collins's support, the US Senate has voted to lift the travel ban on Cuba, allowing ordinary Americans to travel to the country. The measure was also been approved by the US house.

Following Senate approval of the measure, Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement:

"The ability to travel is a fundamental American liberty. The federal government should not restrict the rights of American citizens to travel to Cuba if they desire to do so.

"The ban on travel to Cuba, which has been in place since 1963, has passed its usefulness and has not done anything to bring liberty to the Cuban people.

"I do not condone Fidel Castro's repressive policies, but I believe the best way we can encourage Cubans to embrace a different government philosophy is to expose them to Americans.

"It is past time to remove this arcane travel ban."