Florida, November 9 (RHC)-- Advocates of fostering positive relations between the United States and Cuba are expressing alarm over President Trump's latest trade and travel regulations.

In an emailed statement, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Tampa), who has for years advocated a stronger relationship with Cuba, called the move "backwards" and a "return to failed Cold War isolationist policies toward Cuba and the Cuban people."

She said that since the U.S. reestablished diplomatic ties with Cuba, thousands of Americans have visited and numerous businesses have explored new markets, opening new economic opportunities for Americans and Cubans alike.

Castor added that she isn't happy with the federal government's lack of action in investigating unexplained episodes involving health problems suffered by U.S. diplomats in Havana, and made mention of the lack of adequate staffing levels at Cuba's embassy, with which, she said, “the Trump administration is effectively halting travel to the country for Cuban-Americans.”

“I was advised by Trump administration officials in October that U.S. investigators had left with no determination as to the nature or cause of these incidents," Castor said. She underscored that every day that goes by without adequate embassy personnel available to process visas harms Cuban and American families alike.