BAUCUS, RANGEL, CRAPO, EMERSON TO UNVEIL CUBA BILLS

Washington, DC - At a news conference tomorrow, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-New York), along with U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.), will unveil companion pieces of legislation to ease agricultural trade, travel and other restrictions against Cuba. The news conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, in the Senate Radio/TV Gallery (S-325). Since 2005, U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba have dropped by nearly 15 percent, and no cash sales have taken place - due in part to a ruling by the U.S. Treasury Department that misinterpreted Congress's intentions on Cuba trade. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help U.S. farmers and ranchers tap this important market, and will create an up-to-date Cuba policy that acknowledges current political and economic opportunities between our two countries. The bills are expected to be referred to the Finance and Ways and Means Committees. Journalists wishing to attend the news conference should RSVP to Erin Shields by reply e-mail. WHO: Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-New York)Senate Finance Committee Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)House Appropriations Committee Member Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) WHAT: News conference to unveil Cuba trade and travel legislation WHERE: Senate Radio/TV Gallery S-325, U.S. Capitol WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 2006 1:00 p.m. # # #