WASHINGTON – Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) President & CEO Brian P. McGuire issued the following statement in response to the Obama administration’s announcement that it was amending Cuban sanction regulations to facilitate scientific collaboration, increased humanitarian support and trade and commerce between the United States and Cuba. AED is the trade association representing companies that sell, rent, lease and service leading brands of construction, mining, forestry, agricultural, energy and industrial equipment.
We’re very pleased that President Obama has made these additional, commonsense improvements to the Cuban sanction regulations. This is further progress towards normalized relations that will benefit both the American and Cuban people.
But more has to happen. It’s time for Congress to publicly and comprehensively review our nation’s Cuba policy, which seems out of step with geopolitical realities, public opinion and America’s economic interests. Until Congress acts to lift the embargo, U.S. equipment distributors and manufacturers and other businesses cannot take advantage of opportunities to help upgrade Cuba’s infrastructure and help the Cuban people build a better future.
