Trade is a two way street and is also a fundamental right of being alive. The Congress doesn't have the right to prohibit trade and I defy you to find that power listed anywhere in Article 1 Section 8 where their power is defined.
There is no taxpayer cost to trading with Cuba other than the goods and services that they might purchase.
If the rationale that is posited about trade with China is correct (that it actually helps bring China into relations with the world and in effect "corrupts" their communist ideals) then the same can be said for Cuba. Turning a communist nation into a capitalist nation is bad why?
Apparently you haven't been following this very closely. Cubans are not permitted to engage in "self enrichment" and Castro does not work on a cash and carry basis. Castro expects the goods up front and gives his IOU. Castro has said he won't "trade" with the U.S. until he can get the deals "financed." Let me tell you Demigog, that means we, the consumers and the taxpayers (if the loans are backed by the govt.) will foot the bill.
Here's one man that is currying Castro's favor.
Venezuela · Chavez has insisted that oil sales continue to Cuba, despite an unpaid $97 million bill for past sales.--Source
Trade with Cuba from the United States would have to cross a state line, now wouldn't it?
I submit to the world that Demidog is either illiterate or a moron. Maybe both, but certainly one or the other.
Billybob
That is exactly the cost. If Castro purchase goods and servces and then does not pay, the US government would be on the hook for the money owed.