Washington, July 29 (RHC) –- U.S. Representative Tom Emmer and a bipartisan group of House colleagues on Tuesday introduced a bill that seeks the lifting of U.S. trade restrictions on Cuba. This as part of recent Congressional efforts to remove Washington's economic blockade on Havana and kick start the business relationship between both neighbors.

“Today marks a new and exciting chapter for the U.S.-Cuba relationship,” Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, said in a press release. He co-sponsored the legislation with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Republican from Florida.

Emmer's bill removes provisions restricting trade with Cuba, but prohibits U.S. government assistance and financing.

“The American people overwhelmingly support lifting the Cuba embargo,” Emmer said. “Along with the Cuban people, Americans are ready for a fresh start and new opportunities for increasing trade.”

The United States and Cuba restored full diplomatic relations last week, as part of a process to normalize relations. Havana has reiterated the need for economic sanctions to be removed as part of that process.