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Mario Diaz-Balart Wants Cuba Restrictions To Remain Intact

MIAMI (CBS4) - One South Florida congressman wants to continue the strict remittances and travel to Cuba.

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart's amendment to President Obama's regulatory changes was approved by the House Committee on Appropriations Thursday.

The changes would have loosened remittances and travel to the island. The strict rules were enacted by former President George W. Bush.

The approved amendment is attached to a bill directing funding for the U.S. Department of Treasury. The bill will now head to the House floor and will have to be reconciled with the Senate version if approved.

Diaz-Balart says the amendment will keep money out of the hands of the Cuban government. Opponents of the amendment say it will hinder loved ones from being able to help and visit loved ones on the island.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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