United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 136
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 136Caribbean areaIncome tax credits
United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 16· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
10MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it would fundamentally change the relationship between the United States and Cuba, which has been strained for over 60 years. If it becomes law, it would open up significant new economic opportunities for American businesses by allowing them to sell goods, provide services, and invest in Cuba, potentially creating jobs and new markets. For everyday Americans, it means the freedom to travel to Cuba without government hurdles, making it a more accessible destination for vacations or cultural exchange.
Without this bill, the current restrictions on trade, travel, and financial transactions would largely remain in place, continuing the decades-old embargo. Passing this bill would signal a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, potentially leading to increased diplomatic engagement and a different dynamic in the Caribbean region. It directly addresses issues like economic opportunity, personal liberty (to travel), and the long-standing debate over how best to influence political change and human rights in Cuba.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Repeals major laws that form the basis of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, including the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and the LIBERTAD Act of 1996.
This provision is the core of the bill, as it dismantles the legal framework that has restricted U.S.-Cuba relations for decades.
PROVISION 02
Removes restrictions on U.S. telecommunications companies, allowing them to install, maintain, and upgrade equipment and provide services in Cuba.
This would enable better communication infrastructure and connectivity between the two countries, potentially benefiting both businesses and individuals.
PROVISION 03
Ends all U.S. government regulations and prohibitions on travel to and from Cuba for American citizens and residents.
This restores the freedom of movement for Americans to Cuba and removes the need for special permits or reasons to visit.
PROVISION 04
Directs the President to engage in negotiations with the Government of Cuba to settle property claims by U.S. nationals and to secure the protection of internationally recognized human rights.
This addresses long-standing diplomatic and ethical issues that have been central to the strained relationship between the two countries.
This bill matters because it would fundamentally change the relationship between the United States and Cuba, which has been strained for over 60 years. If it becomes law, it would open up significant new economic opportunities for American businesses by allowing them to sell goods, provide services, and invest in Cuba, potentially creating jobs and new markets. For everyday Americans, it means the freedom to travel to Cuba without government hurdles, making it a more accessible destination for vacations or cultural exchange.
Without this bill, the current restrictions on trade, travel, and financial transactions would largely remain in place, continuing the decades-old embargo. Passing this bill would signal a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, potentially leading to increased diplomatic engagement and a different dynamic in the Caribbean region. It directly addresses issues like economic opportunity, personal liberty (to travel), and the long-standing debate over how best to influence political change and human rights in Cuba.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Repeals major laws that form the basis of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, including the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and the LIBERTAD Act of 1996.
This provision is the core of the bill, as it dismantles the legal framework that has restricted U.S.-Cuba relations for decades.
med
Removes restrictions on U.S. telecommunications companies, allowing them to install, maintain, and upgrade equipment and provide services in Cuba.
This would enable better communication infrastructure and connectivity between the two countries, potentially benefiting both businesses and individuals.
high
Ends all U.S. government regulations and prohibitions on travel to and from Cuba for American citizens and residents.
This restores the freedom of movement for Americans to Cuba and removes the need for special permits or reasons to visit.
med
Directs the President to engage in negotiations with the Government of Cuba to settle property claims by U.S. nationals and to secure the protection of internationally recognized human rights.
This addresses long-standing diplomatic and ethical issues that have been central to the strained relationship between the two countries.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Embargo
An official ban on trade or other commercial activities with a particular country.
Repealed
To cancel or withdraw a law or rule.
Conforming amendment
A change made to one law or regulation to ensure it aligns with changes made to another related law or regulation.
Trading With the Enemy Act
A U.S. law that gives the President the power to regulate or prohibit trade with hostile countries during wartime or national emergencies.
Common carrier
A company or person that transports goods or people for a fee and offers its services to the general public, like a phone company or airline.
National of the United States
A citizen of the United States or a person who, though not a citizen, owes allegiance to the U.S. and is entitled to its protection.
Property claims
Legal demands for compensation by individuals or entities who had their assets or possessions taken by a government.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 16, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 16, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Government rules that restrict or prohibit the shipment of certain goods, technologies, or information to foreign countries, often for national security or foreign policy reasons.
