Democratic lawmakers visit Cuba amid changes in US relations

A delegation of congressional Democrats is visiting Cuba to discuss expectations for the normalization of relations between the United States and the island nation.
The delegation's leader, senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, says in a statement yesterday that the lawmakers want to explore opportunities for greater cooperation and to encourage Cuban officials to address issues of concern to Americans and their representatives in Congress.
The three-day trip ends tomorrow. Traveling with Leahy are Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and congressmen Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Peter Welch of Vermont.

Last month, President Barack Obama announced plans for renewed economic ties and other administration-led initiatives aimed at re-establishing relations with Cuba. Many congressional Republicans have been cool to the effort.