Obama Prepares His Pen and Phone for Cuba Restrictions


Ah, but the president has plans on unilaterally giving banks cover to allow use of credit cards, which already is supposed to be happening but is not because banks have been cautious. Don’t worry, he’ll have the IRS order them to comply.

While American Express and MasterCard announced they would allow their cards to be used on the island, no Cuban bank has authorization, meaning those traveling from America must still pay in cash. And legally one cannot spend American dollars there.

Hot Air notes that a bill was introduced in Congress earlier this year to lift the travel embargo but has yet to move through committee. Thank you, Congress.

The State Department lists many of these restrictions on their travel web site and they are formidable. The Treasury Department reminds people that spending American money in Cuba as a tourist can result in up to a $65,000 fine. That is called cash.

Obama has hit a real snag. Only Congress can end a trade embargo, which is enshrined into law. But according to White House officials, the President can ease certain restrictions under his executive authority.

The whole story is here.

Yes, Obama has been exposed in another significant overreach of executive power. Let’s see if Congress has the backbone to stop him this time.

 



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