Freedom to Export to Cuba Act of 2017

Freedom to Export to Cuba Act of 2017

This bill amends: (1) the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the prohibition on assistance to Cuba and the President's authority for the embargo on Cuba, (2) the Trading with the Enemy Act to repeal the President's authority to continue direct restrictions on trade with Cuba, and (3) the Export Administration Act of 1979 to repeal the prohibitions on exports to Cuba.

The bill authorizes the President to: (1) impose export controls with respect to Cuba, and (2) exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security.

The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 is amended to eliminate:

• presidential authority to impose sanctions against Cuban trading partners,
• restrictions on transactions between U.S.-owned or controlled firms and Cuba,
• limitations on direct shipping between Cuban and U.S. ports, and
• restrictions on remittances.

The Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 is amended to eliminate provisions concerning:

• the enforcement of an economic embargo of Cuba;
• the prohibition on indirect financing of Cuba;
• opposition to Cuban membership in international financial institutions;
• opposition to ending Cuban suspension from the Organization of American States;
• certain import restrictions, including sugar restrictions;
• family remittance and travel to Cuba, news bureaus in Cuba, and extradition of persons sought by the Department of Justice for crimes committed in the United States; and
• assistance to a free and independent Cuba.

The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 is amended to:

• remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism subject to agricultural and medical export restrictions; and
• repeal the prohibition on the U.S. entry of merchandise that is of Cuban origin, that is or has been located in or transported from or through Cuba, or that is made or derived in whole or in part of any article which is the growth, produce, or manufacture of Cuba.