In Foreign Relations Hearing, Kaine Discusses Regional Impact of U.S.-Cuba Policy Changes

Press Release

During a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere hearing today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine questioned Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson and Assistant Secretary For Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tomasz Malinowski on the regional impact of U.S.-Cuba policy changes.

"What about the regional reaction?" Kaine asked. "I have worried over time that the U.S. position vis-à-vis Cuba has put sort of a ceiling on our relationships in the region in ways that could be a challenge. And whether it's an international institution like the Organization for American States or even bilateral diplomacy - I think there's so much upside for more American engagement in the Americas."

Assistant Secretary Jacobson emphasized the diplomatic opportunities in the region that can result from normalizing relations with Cuba. "President Santos of Colombia said this has changed the history of U.S.-Latin American relations. That it will really be a change throughout the hemisphere," said Assistant Secretary Jacobson. "President Rousseff in Brazil, as well. We see a lift in our policy objectives throughout the hemisphere."

In closing, Kaine noted, "just because we raise issues, it doesn't mean people will do as we ask. But we have a channel at the highest level when we have normalized diplomatic relationships to put on the table the things that really bother us and to encourage nations to be better. And whether or not we do, having that channel and that ability to push is something I believe is very, very important."

Kaine is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues.

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