"Jay-Z and Beyonce Bill" Proposed in the House!
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It seems as though Jay-Z and Beyonce's recent trip to Cuba has sparked enough outrage from congressional Republicans to actually warrant the proposal of a new bill aimed to limit travel to Cuba! This bill has just moved out of the House Appropriations subcommittee, and it's purpose is to limit the use of the Department of Treasury's funds to approve trips to Cuba for "non-academic, educational exchanges." Basically, since the legislature can not out right make laws, it is using the power it DOES have- the power of money. With a restriction on funding to the Department of Treasury, the executive branch and it's affiliates would not be able to finance as many approval hearings for trips to Cuba that may be seen to be for reasons that are not governmental or academic in nature. Cuba has been subject to a strict trade embargo since the Kennedy administration, with specific travel guidelines put in place to enforce this embargo.
Rep. Jose Serrano, a Democrat from New York, dubbed this proposal the "Jay-Z and Beyonce Bill." House Republicans are stating that this trip was a prime example of how travel guidelines are not being enforced. Rep Andrew Crenshaw, a Republican from Florida, argues the trip is an example of how privileged people can use loopholes to travel to Cuba. On the other hand, House Democrats actually do view the trip as educational, and are hoping to open up communication and strengthen ties with Cuba; therefore, viewing the superstars' trip as another method for helping the U.S. achieve that goal.
Though people's opinion on the nature and purpose of trip may vary, one thing is certain- Jay-Z and Beyonce have certainly made quite an impact in American politics this year, from their friendship with President Obama, to now influencing new laws! What do you think of this proposed piece of legislation? Is Congress wasting time addressing their trip to Cuba, or is this a serious issue that needs to be addressed?
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