Congress eases curbs on Cuba

(BBC): The US Congress has voted to lift restrictions on relations with Cuba imposed by the Bush administration. Cuban-Americans will be allowed to travel to the island once a year and send more money to relatives there. Curbs on sending medicines and food have also been eased. The measures were part of a $410bn bill to fund US government operations. The legislation was approved by the Senate after clearing the House of Representatives last month. The bill was supported by two Cuban-American senators who had initially opposed it. They changed their votes after receiving assurances from the Obama administration that the changes did not amount to a major reversal of the 47-year-old US trade embargo on Cuba.

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