The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) expressed its support of the Cuba Trade Act of 2015 this week. The bipartisan bill, introduced by US Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Kathy Castor (D-FL), would lift the Cuba embargo and allow for businesses in the private sector to trade freely with Cuba.

“The American people overwhelmingly support lifting the Cuba embargo,” Emmer said. “Along with the Cuban people, Americans are ready for a fresh start and new opportunities for increasing trade, advancing the cause of human rights and ushering in direly needed reforms. This legislation will improve our position within the region, giving the US a seat at the table and increased leverage as we support political transformations beginning to occur in Cuba. The time has come for a change in our policy towards Cuba, and I am ready to work with my colleagues in Congress on policies that are beneficial to both the American and Cuban people.”

The proposed legislation would remove the current prohibition against private financing for agricultural sales to Cuba. NAMI said it looks forward to working with Congress to pass the bill and excited to explore new opportunities in Cuba.