Dateline Washington – President Obama is ridding the United States of an antiquated policy, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Culver City/South Los Angeles) said this afternoon in welcoming the White House announcement that the president is reopening the Cuban embassy for the first time in more than 55 years.

“The old policy made Cuba the most difficult country in the world where our citizens could travel,” she said.

A member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms. Bass said that she commends Mr. Obama for reestablishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. “We will soon reopen our embassy in Havana,” she said, “while welcoming the Cuban government to do the same in Washington.

“Today’s action is the result of years of diligent diplomacy and leadership from President Obama and leaders from across the globe,” she said.

Ending “this draconian Cold War policy” of ignoring Cuba is unquestionably a correct decision.

“I look forward to welcoming the Cuban government at the end of this month when they reopen their embassy, and I hope to travel to Cuba to visit our embassy once it opens,” Ms. Bass said.

“President Obama is showing the world both the ideals of American leadership and the power of effective diplomacy.”

Ms. Bass said that from the time Mr. Obama began working with Pope Francis last year to reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba, to the recent date when he “rightfully” removed Cuba from the terrorist watch list, he has displayed rare courage in resolving “a decades-old conflict with one of America’s closest neighbors.”

Ms. Bass recalled that last year she joined Democrats and Republicans on a visit to Cuba to examine the island’s healthcare system.

“I wanted to see how effectively they are helping diabetes patients.” She said.

“I can tell you that a stronger diplomatic bond between the United States and Cuba will benefit Americans and Cubans alike.”

Ms. Bass said that isolationist policies “hinder growth and create problems that future generations will ultimately have to resolve.”

Advancing toward stronger diplomatic ties “will promote America’s interests, protect and assist American citizens traveling to Cuba and increase America’s engagement with the Cuban people.”