Marco Rubio to oppose State Department official charged with U.S.-Cuba relations

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said he will oppose the nomination of Roberta Jacobson to be the assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Jacobson's responsibilites include the U.S. relationship with Cuba. 

Rubio also said he'd oppose the confirmation of Mari Carmen Aponte as ambassador to El Salvador and Adam Namm as ambassador to Ecuador.

Rubio didn't say he'd outright block their nominations -- but did say that he reserves the right to do so. Under the rules of the Senate, a single senator has the ability to block votes on nominees or legislation by placing a so-called "hold" on it. 

"I will oppose these nominees in the Foreign Relations Committee, and reserve my right to block or vote against any other future Western Hemisphere nominees until the Administration takes meaningful action to change its policies," Rubio said. 

Rubio described the Obama administration's policy towards Latin America as one that's been "defined by appeasement, weakness and the alienation of our allies."

"Earlier this year, I encouraged the Administration to seize these nominations as an opportunity to outline a plan to steer U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere towards renewing America’s commitment to promoting democracy and free markets," he said.

Jacobson during her confirmation hearing defended the Obama administration’s policies toward the communist island nation, including policies that allow Cuban-Americans to send more money there.

Jacobson, who appeared earlier this month before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for her confirmation hearing, also told senators that the administration would do whatever it could through diplomatic channels to secure the unconditional release of U.S. contractor Alan Gross, who has been imprisoned in Cuba for nearly two years.

Comments

[Andres]

"I will oppose these nominees in the Foreign Relations Committee, and reserve my right to block or vote against any other future Western Hemisphere nominees until the Administration takes meaningful action to change its policies," Rubio said.

Marco: Who the H!@# do you think you are???

[Vonnise Cobb]

Marco Rubio is a United States Senator from Florida and we are damm glad to have him there fighting for us. You better get to know who he is, he will be your president of he United States on day!

[Carlos Sanchez]

This Guy is a JOKE AND A LIAR, Floridians should impeach this Rubio guy.... This man will lie about anything to get votes.... "Son of Exiles" YEAH RIGHT!!!!

[Ari Tapuach]

Any human that would do anything that prevents the release of Mr. Gross should be jailed themselves. Free Alan Gross now!

[JP]

I am so sick and tired of this Marco Rubio. Here we have another politician working toward the so called "democracy" in Cuba and S*&^ hasn't work since they started this crap 50 years ago.

...And lets not talk about Diaz-Balart, Menendez and the Mrs. Idiocy herself Mrs.Ross.

Vonnise - Let me be clear - I am not a democrat, but I do oppose to this BS. Likewise, if it means to change my vote and elect a democrat,I would just for the simple fact that I do not want another idiot to tell me I cannot travel to see my family or that I can not send them money whenever the H*&^ I want to.

[John McAuliff]

We need a Democrat to say he or she will put a hold on these appointments if the Administration allows one disingenuous extremist to shape US foreign policy.

Where is the Constitutional provision or law that allows the absurd overreach of a hold?

John McAuliff
Fund for Reconciliation and Development

[Angelito]

More dollars to Cuba more years of communism, and that is a fact.

[Rolando]

Wasn't it Einstein who says doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity. These Cubans have rallied for embargos and resticting travel for over 50 years...and they actually expect it to work? Give me a break. Open it up nice and wide. Once Cubans get all the goods we can send them, they'll get rid of the "C" brothers.