Heinrich Statement On Cuba Policy Changes And Release Of Alan Gross

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) made the following statement today regarding President Obama's announcement of changes he's made to the economic and diplomatic relationship between the United States and Cuba, and the release of American prisoner Alan Gross, who had been held in a Cuban jail since 2009:

"Today marks a welcome change of course in our nation’s relationship with Cuba. I support the Administration's decision to abandon an outdated Cold War policy of isolation that failed to advance America’s goal of an open and free society for the Cuban people. This new course is consistent with our national security interests, and will help make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba and increase economic opportunities. But more importantly, I hope this change in course will lead to more progress in reversing the Cuban government’s history of suppressing the human rights and other civil freedoms of its citizens.

“The release of U.S. citizen Alan Gross is wonderful news. I’m pleased he is home safe and reunited with his family after five years of imprisonment.”