Over the past half century, the United States has deployed sanctions and other punitive measures in an unsuccessful attempt to dislodge Fidel Castro’s communist government. Now that most Americans — including most Cuban‐​Americans — favor ending the ban on traveling to Cuba, congressional support for changing this policy is increasing. At this briefing, Rep. Jeff Flake will explain how ending the ban would better respect the rights of Americans to travel and promote freedom in Cuba. Phil Peters and Ian Vásquez will discuss current political and economic conditions in Cuba and the impact that increased travel by Americans would likely have.