Cuba Opening Up a Little More

The U.S. Treasury Department has formally lifted nearly all U.S. restrictions on family travel to Cuba, along with limits on how much money families can send to relatives on the island. The department also has eased licensing requirements for visitors engaged in agricultural and medical sales.

The measure easing the sale of agricultural products was not part of the changes President Obama initially announced, but it was announced by Senator Byron Dorgan, D-N.D. Dorgan believes these changes will make it easier for producers to sell their goods to Cuba, and it makes good economic sense for family farmers across the country.

President Obama has said the United States is not willing to explore a resumption of diplomatic ties with Cuba until it releases its political prisoners and the Cuban people are allowed democratic freedoms. President Raúl Castro has shown no sign of moving in that direction.