Ros-Lehtinen to file bill seeking to block Cuba from oil drilling near Keys

Posted on Fri, May. 05, 2006

Ros-Lehtinen to file bill seeking to block Cuba from oil drilling near Keys
By LESLEY CLARK
lclark@MiamiHerald.com

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is joining Democratic U.S.
Sen. Bill Nelson in filing legislation aimed at blocking Cuba from
drilling for oil near the Florida Keys.

The Miami Republican has filed a bill that would deny visas to any
employees of a company or entity that ``contributes to the development
of Cuba's oil-exploration program.''

It would also impose sanctions on any individuals -- or companies -- who
invest $1 million or more to help Cuba develop its oil and natural gas
resources.

''My colleagues and I have been working tirelessly to prevent our own
companies from ruining Florida's pristine beaches and delicate ecosystem
by exploring and drilling for oil off our coast,'' Ros-Lehtinen said in
a statement. ``To now have this murderous and totalitarian regime say it
wants to drill just 45 miles from Key West is beyond the pale and
totally unacceptable.''

Lacking the technology for offshore drilling, the Cuban government has
entered into agreements with several companies in foreign countries,
including Spain, China and Canada.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14509852.htm