Senate Resolution 4

A RESOLUTION URGING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO LIFT SANCTIONS AND ESTABLISH PERMANENT NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS WITH CUBA.

WHEREAS, there has been significant change in relations between Cuba and the United States since 1962 when prohibitive trade sanctions were imposed; and

WHEREAS, this export band was imposed during a period of much fear and threat of nuclear attack due to the Cold War between the former Soviet Union, other communist regimes and the United States; and

WHEREAS, that threat no longer exists and it is no longer United States policy to prohibit trade with a communist country, as we already have heavy trade with China and are establishing trade with countries like Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, with complete normalization of trade relations, Cuba could become a $1 Billion market for United States agricultural producers within five years, making it our third largest market in the Americas after Mexico and Canada; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi specifically has much to gain with normalized trade with Cuba due to its close geographical location and Mississippi's status as a leading producer of poultry; and

WHEREAS, Cuba represents a $22 Million poultry market with nearly a quarter of this being supplied by Canada and France, that could easily grow upward to $100 Million; and

WHEREAS, current bilateral trade between Canada and Cuba exceeds $500 Million, some of which is Mississippi poultry and other products being diverted to Cuba through Canada; and

WHEREAS, the United States has much to gain by trading with Cuba, not only in agriculture, but also in many other sectors of the economy and culture; and

WHEREAS, the Cuban people also have much to gain and are more likely to move toward liberty as they see our way of life and of the success of our free market system:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the members of this body express their support for normalized trade relations with Cuba and urge Congress to lift sanctions and establish permanent normal trade with Cuba.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be provided to each member of the Mississippi congressional delegation.