complete schedule on c-span.org. call us. e-mail us. send us a tweet. join the c-span conversation. like us on facebook. >> coming up tonight on c-span, reaction to the release of alan gross. first, we hear from president obama on the release and the new u.s. policy toward cuba. then we hear from mr. gross, who spoke to reporters. later, senator marco rubio on his reaction into the change in policy. following his remarks we will take your calls and comments. obama'sesident announcement that the u.s. would normalize relations with cuba and lift many travel and economic sanctions that have been in place since the caribbean -- place against the

caribbean nation. he spoke at the white house following the release of alan gross. u.s. release three cuban agents in the exchange. this is 15 minutes. >> good afternoon. today, the united states of america is changing its relationship with the people of cuba. the most significant changes in a policy in fifty years, we'll end an outdated approach that for decades has failed to advance our interests. and instead, we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries. we intend to begin a new chapter among the nations of the americas. there is accommodated history -- there is a complicated history between the united states and cuba. i was born in 1961, just over

two years after fidel castro took power in cuba, and just a few months after the bay of pigs invasion. over the next several decades, the relationship between our countries played out against the backdrop of the cold war. we are separated by just over 90 miles. but year after year, and ideological and economical barrier hardened between our two countries. meanwhile, the cuban exile community in the united states made enormous contributions to our country -- in politics, in business, culture, and sports. like immigrants before, cubans help to remake america. even as they felt a painful yearning for their land and families they left behind. all of this bound america and cuba in a unique relationship. proudly, united states has supported democracy and human rights in cuba through these

five decades. we have done so, primarily, through policies that americans can enjoy anywhere else. although this policy has been rooted in the best of intentions, no other nation joins us in imposing the sanctions. and they have had little effect, beyond providing the cuban government for rationale for restrictions on their own people. today, cuba is still governed by the castro's and the communist party that came to power half a century ago. neither the american north cuban -- american north cuban people are well served by a rigid policy that is rooted in event that took place before most of us were born. consider that for more than thirty-five years, we have had relations with china -- a far larger country also governed by a communist party. nearly two decades ago, we reestablished relations with vietnam, where we fought a war.

that is why, when i came into office, i promise to re-examine our cuban policy. as a start, we lifted restrictions for cuban-americans to travel, and sent remittances to their families and cuba. these changes, once controversial, now seem obvious. cubans have been reunited with their families. one of the best ambassadors for our values. and through these exchanges, a younger generation has question of approach that is what a keep cubical stuff. i have been prepared to take additional steps for a long time. stood in ourcle way -- the wrongful imprisonment, in cuba, of a u.s. citizen and u.s. subcontractor, alan gross, for five years. over many months, my administration has held talks with the cuban government.

his holiness pope francis gave a particular plea to me and the cuban government for the release of alan gross. today, alan returned home, reunited with his family at long last. alan was released by the qa -- by the cuban government on humanitarian grounds. separately, in exchange for the three cuban agents, cuba today released one of the most important intelligence agent that the united states has ever had in cuba. he has been imprisoned for nearly two decades. this man, who sacrifice has been known to only a few, provided america with the information that allows to arrest the -- that allowed us to arrest the network of agents and other spies in the united states. this man is now safely on our shores. having recovered these two men,

who sacrifice for our country, are now taking steps to place the interest of people of both countries at the heart of our policy. first, i have instructed secretary kerry to reestablish diplomatic relations that have been separated since january 7 of 1961. going forth, the united states will establish an embassy in havana where we can advance shared interests. where we can advance shared interests, we will, on issues like health, migration, counterterrorism, drug trafficking. indeed, we have seen the benefits of cooperation between our countries before. it was a cuban who discover that mosquitoes carry yellow fever. his work helped walter reed fight it. cuba has sent hundreds of healthcare workers to advocate -- to africa to fight ebola.

i believe they should work side-by-side to stop the spread of this deadly disease. now, where we disagree, we will raise those differences directly. as we will continue to do on issues related to democracy and human rights in cuba. i believe that we can do more to support the cuban people, and promote our values, through engagement. after all, these fifty years have shown that isolation has not worked. it is time for a new approach. second, i have instructed secretary kerry to review cubans 's designation as state-sponsored terrorism. this review will be sponsored by the facts and the law. terrorism has changed. in a time where we are concerned with threats from isis -- they should not face the sanction. third, we are taking steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to and

from cuba. this is fundamentally about freedom and openness. and also expresses my belief in the power of people and people engagement. with the changes i am announcing today, it will be easier for americans to travel to cuba. and americans will be able to use american credit and debit cards on the island. nobody represents america's values better than the american people and i believe this contact will ultimately do more to empower the cuban people. i also believe that more resources should be able to reach the cuban people. so we are significantly increasing the amount of money that can be sent to cuba, and removing the limits on remittances that limits human projects and the cuban sector. i believe that american businesses should not be put at a disadvantage and that increased commerce is good for americans and for cubans. we will facilitate authorized

transactions between the united states and cuba. u.s. financial institutions will be allowed to open accounts -- -- accounts at cuban financial institutions and it will be easier for u.s. exporters to so good in cuba. i believe in the free flow of information. unfortunately, our sanctions on cuba have denied cubans access to technology that have empowered individuals around the globe. so i have authorized increased telecommunications access between the united states and cuba. businesses will be all the sell goods. these are the steps that i can take, as president, to change this policy. the embargo that has been imposed for a decades is now quantified and legislation. -- now codified in legislation. i look forward to engaging congress in an honest and serious debate about lifting the embargo. yesterday i spoke with raul castro to finalize alan gross's release.

i made clear my strong belief that cuban society is constrained by restrictions on its's. -- its citizens. in addition to the return of alan gross, we welcome cuba's decision to release a substantial number of prisoners whose case was raised by my team. we welcome cuba pasta decision to provide more access to the internet for its citizens and to continue increasing engagement with international institutions like the united nations and the red cross, that promote universal values. but i am under no illusion about the continued barriers to freedom that remain for ordinary cubans. the united states believe that no cuban should face harassment or beatings or arrest simply because they are exercising an international right to make their voices heard. we will continue to support a civil society there. while cuba has made reforms to gradually open up its economy, we continue to believe that

cuban workers should be free to form unions. just as their citizens should be free to participate in the political process. moreover, given their history, i suspect that they will continue to pursue foreign policies that will be, at times, sharply conflicting with american interests. i'm not expecting this to bring about a transformation of cuban society, but i believe we can help the cuban people help themselves as we move into the twenty-first century. to those who oppose what i'm announcing today, let me say that i respect your passion and share your commitment to liberty and democracy. the question is how we uphold that commitment. i do not believe we can keep doing the same thing for over five decades, and expect a different result. moreover, it does not serve

america's interests, or the cuban people, to try and push cuba towards collapse. even if that works, and it hasn't for fifty years, we know from hard-earned experience that countries are more likely to enjoy lasting transformation if the people are not subjected to chaos. we are calling on cuba to unleash the potential of 11 million cubans by adding -- by ending unnecessary restrictions. in that spirit, we should not allow u.s. sanctions to add to the burden of u.s. citizens that -- of cuban citizens that we seek to help. to the cuban people, america extends a hand of friendship. some of you have look to us as a -- looked to us as a source of hope, and will continue to shine the light of freedom. others have seen us as a former colonizer, intent on controlling your future. liberty is the right of every man to be honest. today, i'm being honest with

you. we can never arrest history between us, but we believe that you should be empowered to live with dignity and self-determination. cubans have a saying about daily life -- it is not easy. today, the united states wants to be your partner in making the lives of ordinary cubans a little bit easier, more free, more prosperous. to those who have supported these measures, i thank you for being partners in our efforts. in particular, i want to thank his holiness, pope francis, whose moral shows us the importance of pursuing the world as it should be. the government of canada, which hosted our discussions with the cuban government. and a bipartisan group of congressman who have worked tirelessly for alan gross's release. finally, our shifting policy

towards cuba comes at a new moment of leadership in the united states of america. this april, we are prepared to have cuba join us at the summit of america's. but we will insisted that civil -- insist that civil society join us. so that the citizens and not just leaders are shaping our future. i call on all my fellow leaders to give meaning to the commitment to democracy of human rights at the heart of the inter-american charter. let us leave behind a legacy of both colonization and communism. the tierney of tro cartels, dictators, and sham elections. a future of greater peace, security, and democratic development is possible if we work together. not to maintain power, not to secure vested interests, but instead to advance the dreams of our citizens. my fellow americans, the city of miami is only 200 miles or so from cuba. countless thousands of cubans

have come to miami -- on planes and makeshift rafts. some with little but the shirt on the back, and hope in their hearts. today, miami is often referred to as the capital of latin america. but it is also a profoundly american city. a place that reminds us that ideals matter more than the color of our skin. or the circumstances of our birth. a demonstration of what the cuban people can achieve, aand a demonstration of the openness of the united states. todos somos americanos. change is hard. in our own lives and in the lives of nations. and change is even harder when we carry the heavy weight of history on our shoulders. but today, we are making these changes because it is the right thing to do. today, america chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past. to reach for a better future. for the cuban people, for the

american people. for our entire hemisphere, and for the world. thank you. god bless you. and god bless the united states of america. alan gross,from released from a cuban prison after five years. upon his return to the united states, he made a statement to reporters. >> this is great. >> deep breath.

happy holiday season to all of you. today the first day of hanukkah. so far, it is the best comic of that i will be celebrating -- the best comic i will be celebrating for a long time. what a blessing it is to be a citizen of this country, and thank you, president obama, for everything you have done. today and leading up to today. i want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of my wife, judy, who for four and a ,alf years we have been married and my lawyer and personal moses. and their efforts to restore my freedom. they have my endless gratitude,

love, and respect. the relentless and often intense efforts by judy and scott, the partners and associates and , they madee law firm me take the jacket off -- i didn't want to take it off. they have been inconceivable. their efforts have been inconceivable. senator patrick leahy of vermont has been instrumental in shepherding the arrival of this day. i want to thank all of the members of congress from all sides of the aisle, such as senator flake, representatives chris van hollen and barbara lee, and many others who spoke subjected themselves to my ranting, and helped me regain some of my weight.

even in cuba, eminem's melting your mouth and not in your hand. to all those who try to visit me but were unable to, thank you for trying. i am at your service as soon as i get some new teeth, and i hope they will be strong and sharp enough to make a difference. the washington jewish community, ron halbert in allicular and his staff, the executive director staff and , federations, synagogues, schools, and other jewish, christian, and muslim organizations nationwide, god bless you, and thank you. it was crucial to my survival knowing that i was not forgotten. your prayers and your actions have been comforting, reassuring, and sustaining. my extended family,

especially my sister bonnie, my cousins and friends, howard, group in sohabot many others who exemplify the true meaning of friendship, thank you. i do understand that there are many others who actively participated in securing my freedom, of whom i am only nominally aware at this juncture. i promise i will express a more direct and personal gratitude just as soon as i know you are. ultimately, ultimately, the decision to arrange for and secure my release was made in the oval office. two president obama and the staff, thank you. letter to president obama, i wrote that despite my five year tenure in captivity, i would not want to trade places with him, and i certainly wouldn't want to trade places with him on this glorious day.

five years of isolation notwithstanding, i did not need daily briefings to be called present of what are undoubtedly incredible challenges raising our nation and the global community. i also feel compelled to share with you my utmost respect for and fondness of the people of cuba. in no way are they responsible for the ordeal to which my family and i have been subjected. banos are incredibly kind, generous, and talented. it pains me to see them treated so unjustly as a consequence of two governments mutually belligerent. five and a half decades of history show us that such belligerence inhibits better judgment. two wrongs never make a right.

i truly hope that we can now get beyond these mutually belligerent policies, and i was very happy to hear what the president had to say today. to be particularly cool sitting next to the secretary of state as he was hearing about his job description for the next couple of months. in all seriousness, this is a game changer, which i fully support. in the meantime, i ask that you respect my wishes for complete and total privacy. claro? [laughter] i haveious lesson learned from this is that freedom is not free. personified by scott and our entire team, we must never forget the two pillars of moses's covenant -- freedom and responsibility.

i am incredibly blessed to have the freedom to resume a positive and constructive life. but for now, i will close with a quote from one of nelson demille's characters -- "good to be home." thank you, and i wish you all a happy holiday season. thank you. >> [indiscernible] >> i support the president. thank you very much. >> happy hanukkah! >> happy hanukkah. senatorda republican marco rubio opposes the obama administration's changes in policy toward cuba, saying the u.s. should not normalize relations with cuba until it is democratized. he spoke for 25 minutes at a capitol hill news conference, shortly after the president's address.

>> thank you for being here. as a descendent of cuban immigrants and someone who has and raised in a cuban exile who cares deeply about the well-being of the cuban people, one of my greatest hopes is to live to see the nation of cuba and its people become free and open and democratic and that is exactly why today's announcement from the white house is so profoundly disappointing. it is a victory for the oppressive governments. a serious setback for the repressed cubans. the white house has conceded everything, and gained little. they gain no commitment on the part of the cuban regime on freedom of press, or freedom of speech, or elections. no binding commitment was made to truly open up the internet.

no commitment was made to allow the establishment of political parties, or to even begin the semblance of a transition to democracy. and in exchange for all of these concessions, the only thing the cuban government agreed to do is free fifty-three political prisoners, who could wind up in jail tomorrow morning as they once again take up the cause of freedom, and to allow the united nations and the red cross to monitor conditions on the island. the same united nations that did nothing when cuba, last year, was caught helping north korea is a united nations sanctions. this entire policy announced today is based on an allusion. -- on an illusion. on a lie. the lie and the allusion that more access to goods will translate to political freedom for the cuban people. all this is going to do iis give the castro regime -- which controls every aspect of human life -- the opportunity to

manipulate, to perpetuate itself and power. these changes will only lead to greater wealth and influence for the regime. especially the military, which controls most if not all of the cuban economy. and controls all of its oppressed people. these changes will lead to legitimacy for a government that shamelessly, continuously abuses human rights. but it will not lead to assistance for those whose rights are being abused. it is just another concession to attorney by the obama -- 218 or any by the obama administration, rrather than a defense of every universal and an inalienable rights that our country was founded on it stands for. in short, with these changes are going to do as they will tighten this regime's grip on power for decades to come. and it was significantly set back the hope of freedom and democracy for the cuban people.

now, i am overjoyed for alan gross and his family. he has been a hostage kept against his will for far too long. our prayers are with him and his family because he was not just a prisoner, he was a hostage. but this president has proven today that his foreign policy is more than just naive. it is willfully ignorant of the way the world truly works. they agreed to impose sanctions on the venezuelan officials were violating human rights. a government who has spent all of 2014 killing, jailing, and oppressing their own people. and yet, we make historic concessions to the cuban government. the cuban government is influential at the highest levels of the regime.

this policy contradiction is absurd. and it is disgraceful for a president who claims to treasure human rights and human freedom. this president is a single wish -- is the single worst negotiator we have had in the white house in my lifetime. he has basically given the cuban government everything it asked for, and received no assurances of any advancement in democracy. let me close by reminding everyone that god bestowed on the cuban people the same rights that he did on every other man, woman, and child that has ever lived. the inalienable rights spoken about in our founding documents. the cuban people look to america to stand up for these rights. to live up to our commitment to the god-given right of every person. to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

these rights exist not just for the people born in the continental united states, but for people everywhere. it is unacceptable that people who do not know democracy for more than five decades is the people of cuba. that should be our overriding objective -- to do all we can to bring about political openings in cuba. then a free cuban people can decide about the measures they want. but these measures will do nothing to bring about that day and, in fact, i fear significantly set it back. by conceding to the oppressors, this president and this administration have let the people of cuba down. >> senator -- you have some things here about what you think might happen,

which is continuing to happen based on this policy. we have seen other critics towards camp david and so on. those things worked out pretty well. why are you so confident, in this case? >> because i know the cuban regime better than this president and anyone in this administration does. this is a regime and applets everyone to their advantage. travel theyed up , deliberately chose to allow people to come to this country, but forced them to leave their families behind. that way, they would guarantee that these people were sent back remittances to cuba. when groups travel to cuba, they deliberately stage events to people they want them to see. this is a regime that single-handedly manipulate -- they even have a state-sponsored opposition so they can put up the facade that they have opposition. time and again, the cuban government has manipulated every single concession this

administration has made to their advantage. the number one goal of the cuban government is to remain in power. and anything we do will be to buy them into a mechanism for remaining in power. the cuban government will never let any changes that will threaten their ability to maintain a grip on power. we have seen that time and time again and you are going to see that again in the months and years to come. >> you call the president the worst negotiator. he said a short time ago that he was to work with congress to do the things necessary to normalize relations. what, specifically, can congress to in response? >> well, my sense is that i anticipate i will be the chairman of the western hemisphere's subcommittee of foreign relations. and i anticipate we will have a very interesting couple of years discussing how to get an embassy funded. >> about the exchange with the three remaining cubans.

this has been rumored for months, maybe even more, that this was in the works in order to get alan gross back. what is your reaction to that? >> i am glad that alan gross is back. he never should have been there to begin with. let me just take this moment to point out something that the president said that is factually incorrect. the president said that cubans do not have access to advanced, twenty-first century technology because of the u.s. embargo. that is false. the reason why they don't have access to communications like smart phones and access to the internet -- is because it is illegal in cuba. the reason why alan gross was taken hostage was because he was trying to help a small jewish community in cuba have access to that equipment. so for the president to say that it was because the u.s. embargo is categorically false. the second point out make to the present is the cuban government is going to control the internet, the same way the

chinese government control the internet. this notion that cuba is going to allow the cuban people to access any website they want is ridiculous. they are not going to allow that to happen. my last point on it is that i'm glad mister gross is back with his family. i am always concerned anytime that we trade legitimate spies for innocent americans because it sets -- it actually now in creates an incentive. but, i am happy he is with his family today. and i focus my remarks here today and make criticisms on the unilateral changes the president has made, which i think will have a dramatic impact on freedom on the island. [speaking in spanish]

>> [speaking in spanish] >> [speaking in spanish] >> our understanding is that the president is doing this because of his remarks towards the pope.

i am curious what you would tell the pope. and does his remarks have any influence on how quickly you might decide to run for president? >> i think that my understanding -- i have not criticized the release of mr. gross. i would also ask his holiness to take up the cause of freedom and democracy, which is critical for people to truly be free. i think the people of cuba deserve the same chances that the people of argentina have had, where he comes from. my point is that i hope that people with that sort of prestige on the world stage will take it out for the cause of freedom and democracy. the cuban people are the only people in this hemisphere who have not been able to elect a leader in more than fifty-five or sixty years. for this government, under barack obama, to give up everything is unacceptable in my

mind. this is unrelated to anything prior. i'm not going to discuss that today. >> do you see this move as yet another unilateral move done by the present wwithout speaking to the congress? >> we are going to study measures whether these contradict the spirit or measure of the law. with regard to the acts, i would say that i would can see that many of the changes have been made today fall within the purview of the presidency. my criticisms are based on the fact that these are unwise decisions. the fact that i now know, for fundamental truth, that this will make the day when democracy comes to cuba even further away. they are going to utilize these changes to create more wealth, more funding for their oppressive regime.

in a few years, you're going to see them here in the halls of congress to lobby. i saw that this week when we tried to pursue and pass a bill that supported democracy protesters in hong kong. my office is getting phone calls from companies that do business in china asking us to back off. you are going to see that here now, too. >> alan gross was released from prison and that, of course, goes hand-in-hand with the change in policy. would you have rather seen him remain imprisoned? >> according to the white house, they do not go hand-in-hand. he was released on humanitarian grounds, and the interchange between the united states and cuba on the three spies with a american held in prison -- that is a separate topic giant constrained in my ability to

discuss in depth. suffice it to say, the three spies that were in u.s. custody were not benign spies going around cutting up newspaper clippings. at least two of them were involved in direct information given to the cuban government that led to the murders of american citizens were patrolling the streets in florida or national waters. >> president obama alluded to young cuban-americans, saying that they accept more normal relations. which is quite different from what you are saying. how do you explain that the younger generation -- >> partially, because i'm forty-three -- i feel forty-four -- and partially because, look, this is not a political thing. i don't care for 99% of the people believe we should normalize relations with cuba. i believe that before we can normalize relations, democracy has to come first. or at least significant steps towards democracy. i think we share -- including

the individuals that the present discussed -- freedom for cuba. i would say that if you want the majority of -- if you went to the majority of the people out there and said we are going to recognize them, we're going to open up the banking sector, we are going to do -- and in exchange, all cuba is going to do is release fifty-three prisoners they can put back until next year. -- put back in jail next year. most people would say, well, that is not the idea we had in mind. let me be clear, i am in favor of normalizing relations with cuba. but for that to happen, cuba has to be normal. cuba has to be a democracy. the day they take significant steps towards democracy, i will be the first one to stand up here and say now is the time to change policy. that day is clearly not today. >> you have been told that the administration one be for it.

how much did the administration consult congress before they went? >> a couple points. i was aware of these measures last night, not from the administration. i chose not to discuss it at the time because i do not want to imperil the safety and well-being of mister gross. who, as i understood, was in route or potentially in route. i was not consulted by anyone in the administration until about 10:00 am this morning, when secretary kerry placed a call to me. i expressed a secretary my belief that they are being incredibly naive, if not willfully ignorant about the impact that this is going to have on cuba. all of a sudden democracy is going to spring. that is ridiculous. the notion that somehow this is going to lead to a second cuban revolution, despite the fact that humans are not able to buy more goods from the united states.

i interact with people who have been oppressed by it every single day. these changes will do nothing to change their behavior toward cuban people. it will be just as impressive a -- just as repressive a year from now as it is today. >> you say that congress was not consulted -- >> well, i do not know that they consulted other members of congress. i was not consulted. i spoke to no one in the administration about it until 10:00 am this morning. >> [indiscernible] >> i am not discussing 2016 today, out of respect and the gravity for this issue. i will say that, in congress, we're going to do everything we can. we are going to carefully look at what those leverage points are. it is something that i am personally committed to being a part of. by the way, i'm also committed to liberty, freedom, and

democracy in north korea, and hong kong, and china -- wwhich is why i have been an outspoken critic of the chinese government. cuba is close to home for me, because of my heritage and the people i know. i know, firsthand, how this oppressive regime manipulates families for purposes of perpetuating themselves in power. i know what they are capable of doing to people who speak out against the regime. none of that is going to change. none of the measures taken today -- they will do absolutely nothing to change the course. >> [speaking in spanish] >> [speaking in spanish]

>> i just wanted to ask you about how committed you are to blocking the funding for an embassy, and blocking the nomination of an ambassador, given the fact that you have actually a lot more power. have you made a decision on how you are blocking that? >> i am committed to do everything i can to unravel as many of these changes as possible. >> have you figured out yet which would you can unravel? >> obviously, it has been just a few hours since this announcement has been made. we take this very seriously. it is up to the present to implement policy and execute policy. time and again, you have seen that he has forgotten it. but i'll use everything under my authority to see this unraveled.

i do this not out of animosity, but out of animosity towards the cuban government's regime and oppression of their people. >> [indiscernible] >> i have never analyzed this issue from an electoral perspective. this is how it passionately feel. i have no idea, and quite frankly, it is irrelevant. as i told you earlier, i don't care if 99% of people in polls disagree with my position, this is my position. and i feel passionate about it. i am glad that i'm on this side of human rights and freedom. i hope that we can have the conversation turned congress to overturn these policies today. >> the president says that if you do the same thing over and over, it doesn't work. do you agree with him? >> in fact, that is a good point. i think we should increase the

measures that we take against cuba. for example, the violation of human sanctions. last year, in the panama canal, a ship that left cuba was intercepted. on that shift was illegal items. the government did nothing. and it should have. this government has been slow to criticize cuban human rights violations over the past few months. this government accepted their attendance at the summit, a summit that was put together by a collection of democracies. it was never intended to include a communistic dictatorship, which is what cuba is. i disagree in what he has done about it. this argument that somehow the embargo has not worked, therefore let's try something completely different. sounds good on paper, but here's the reality.

just because we change our policy towards cuba, does not mean allow we allow cuba to do whatever it wants. yes, maybe there will be more telecommunications companies in cuba. but what people are able to view on the internet is going to be completely controlled by the cuban government. there will be more remittances, but where people are going to spend that money is completely controlled by the cuban government. yes, more trips are going to be allowed. but that is going to be completely controlled by the cuban government. they are not going to agree to anything that destabilizes their grip on power. the sooner the administration realizes that, the less problems will have. >> [speaking in spanish] >> [speaking in spanish]

i would make two points -- i think north korea is a terrorist government. whether it is hacking or kidnapping movie stars, it is a terrorist government. it is a terminal syndicate. canal,ar, in the panama a ship was intercepted from cuba that violated sanctions. that sounds like terrorism to me. i don't know why the president is reviewing it when in a statement a few moments ago, the president said it made no sense,

in the twenty-first century, for country like you were to be on the list. >> can you talk about the prospects of congress being able to actually listen? >> this congress is not going to lift the embargo. thank you. rubio ofr marco florida reacting to president obama possible announcement earlier in the day today that the u.s. and cuba are moving toward restoring diplomatic relations. we will hear from row will castro, who spoke to his nation today about the rapprochement between the u.s. and cuba.

but first, we would like to hear from you. the numbers are on your screen. should the u.s. normalize relations with cuba? we have a special number four cuban-americans. you can also join us on twitter. join the conversation using the hashtag #cspanchat, or on facebook.com/cspan. the vatican, which was involved in a series of meetings, released this statement -- "the holy father wishes to express his warm congratulations for the historic decision taken by the government of the united states of america and cuba to establish diplomaticelations with the aim of overcoming in the interest of the citizens of both countries and difficulties which

have marked their recent history." pope francis playing a major role in the cuba-u.s. deal that was announced by the president today. let's go right to the calls. in california, you are a supporter of normalizing relations. >> yes, i am. i think we have had 50 years of failed policies. i think what happened in eastern europe, when things were opened helped think it probably liberate the people in eastern europe and i think the same thing will probably happen in cuba. >> all right, thanks. we have a cuban-american in miami. carmen, what you think? >> well, i am very happy. i support the president totally. i think it is time to change the

policies for half a century that haven't worked. we have to do a different thing. have an engagement with the people of cuba, that are the ones that have to change the regime. it is not for the government of the united states to change any regime, and i agree that it is a dictatorship. i suffered it for many years. but i think this approach is going to help the people to have more resources to change their situation. is --k that senator rubio he doesn't give any solutions, he only criticizes. he said he is very happy that alan gross is here. i am very glad that it has changed the foreign policy with cuba, but senator rubio doesn't

give any solutions. the old policies of the past it didn't work. >> all right, carmen from florida. she talked about the usaid worker who was released from a prison today and accompanied back to the u.s. among others on that flight, senator jeff flake who tweeted this picture. the pilot had just announced they had injured u.s. airspace. florida, marioin in hollywood, florida. you oppose normalizing relations, why is that? and0 years of legalizing, depression of the cuban people. failed,t that we have it is just that we have been unable to change the regime. by the same token, they have been receiving a lot of help from the cuban exiles that flee

the island, and they have been maintaining their families with remittances. i think that senator rubio is very correct. we should not deal with the enemy. they are almost dying. >> thanks for the call. kirkpatrick in minneapolis, you are a supporter. why you think now is the time? >> i support the decision of president obama. i am from liberia, and i think america's greatness lies in its set the world to be better off. it has been 50 years since the embargo was in effect. and thathave an enemy, enemy has a friend, you also become an enemy of that friend. africa, we have a response to

fidel castro. we are supporting america in everything that you do. this community cannot live as an island. it is greatt mean all over the world. i will support a renewal of relationships with cuba so that the cuban people can benefit, and markey o it -- and marco rubio should shut his mouth. student in my country and i know what it means to be at peace and the best way to do it is for nations to understand what matters and marco rubio should sit down and shut his mouth. >> thank you. senator bob menendez is the outgoing senate foreign relations committee chair. he released a statement today saying in part, "trading mr.

gross for three criminals the sets a dangerous precedent. dictatorial and rogue regimes to use americans serving chips." as bargaining that from bob menendez, the foreign relations committee chair, outgoing. let's go back and take a few more calls. do you oppose or support normalizing relations with cuba? --pecial live cuban-american a special line four cuban-americans tonight -- we go to that line. diana in south carolina, you are on the air. >> i oppose. diplomaticstabilize relations with a communist nation, it is impossible. they will not benefit from it you.se raul -- thank >> thank you. >> bill, you are next. you are a supporter.

>> strongly supporter. it is about time. you asked people before -- is this the right time? the right time was 45 years ago. launched during the kennedy administration and it served its purpose. they got the missiles off the island. it got missiles out of turkey, if i remember right. about have been talking rubio and he should sit down and shut up -- i wouldn't say that. i strongly believe in freedom of speech. nevery goodness, we can have relationships with communist countries -- has she forgotten all of eastern europe, in china, and the soviet union? we have had relationships with them for many years. the latest was china, when nixon went to china. >> thanks for the call.

prime minister stephen harper of canada, the canadians were involved in some of these meetings prior to today's announcement from the cbc. of relationsing between the united states and cuba was overdue after have a century of cold war." back to the phones now. roberto in naples, florida. >> i support what president obama did. obviously, mark rubio has no clue or concept what it is to live in cuba. -- if you did, he went has made the statements he made. in 1980, my whole family did. we almost drowned in the ocean. let'se some kind of hope,

say ideal, and left of this incentive behind what those people carry that is happened, it is always nice to feel that there is hope for change. >> let me ask you -- are you still on the line? >> yes, sir. >> do you think we are seeing some of the opposition from the older generation, and that the younger generation is in favor of normalization? >> absolutely. the younger generation is in favor of it. the older generation -- they are still holding to what castro has done, and obviously i don't blame them. but i don't think it is a step forward. nothing is going to happen if you keep holding on to this grudge. it is time to let it go. you make a phone call to cuba, you have to spend $20 just to

talk to her relatives. they have to go get your older relative and bring them down, just to get a phone call. it is ridiculous. i think it is a step forward. as long as cuba does what they say they are going to do, everything should go ok. for marco rubio -- i don't get that from the cuban community. you right now, he will never be president of the united states. >> thanks for the call, roberto. anotherbob corker, member of congress, released this statement -- "i was notified of the release of alan gross. i am pleased he will be reunited with his family after suffering years of unjust imprisonment and mistreatment by the castro regime. is new u.s. policy announced

no doubt sleeping and as of now there is no real understanding as to what changes the cuban government is prepared to make. we will be closely monitoring the imprecations of these major policy changes in the next congress." charles is in westlake ohio. what you oppose normalizing relations with cuba? >> it has less to do with cuba and more to do with president obama. he is a lame duck. he is doing everything he can to throw gears -- sand into the gears of the united states. letting iran get a nuclear weapon. the unitedg to hurt states. that is my true belief. this is just one more effort that i see.

fidel castro is about to die. his brother is about to go. why do it now? why say 50 years of presidents are all wrong? that is how i feel. >> thanks. david and boise, idaho. you are a supporter. what do you think? >> i was just in cuba a year ago on an environmental project. a mattervious to me in of a few weeks of observing the embargo has our essentially made a poor country even poor. can blame it on a number of factors. there is no question that our economic embargo since the early 1960's has really driven that country, which was once one of the most prosperous and

hemisphere, to a poor nation. i think maintaining an embargo on cuba 50 years later makes about as much sense as maintaining an embargo on japan over what they did at pearl harbor. it is history. we need a new chapter. i would hope that the republican party would embrace this. to bepublican party used the party of free trade and business. there is a lot of potential for both here. >> thank you for the call, david. theng up, we will show you senators who accompanied allen gross at cuba today and back to washington, d.c. we will show you a speech by rival castro, the president of cuba.

he spoke to his nation for about 10 minutes today shortly after the president, president obama, announced to the united states plans tolization, the normalize relations between united states and cuba. the cuban president, wrote castro, now. this is less than 10 minutes. >> my fellow countrymen. since my election as president of the council of ministers, i have reiterated on numerous occasions our willingness to maintain with the government of the united states a respectful dialogue based on the principle of sovereign equality in order to address a wide variety of topics in a reciprocal manner without detriment to the

and selfindependence determination of our people. expressed tosition the u.s. government both onlicly and privately several occasions during our long-standing struggle. with the aim of addressing and resolving our differences through negotiations without renouncing any of our principles. hasaurora cuban people shown in the face -- the heroic cuban people has shown in the face of aggression, adversity, and sacrifices that it will and has always been faithful to the

ideals of independence and social justice, strongly united throughout the last 56 years of revolution we have maintained our unswerving loyalty to those who fell in defense of our principles, dating back to the beginning of our wars of independence in 1860 it. 1868. despite the difficulties, we are now embarking on the task of updating our economic model with a view to build a prosperous and sustainable socialism as a result of dialogue at the highest level, which included a phone conversation that i had yesterday with president barack

obama. we have been able to make progress in resolving some issues of mutual interest for both nations. in june 2001,sed when he said, they shall return. they have returned to our .omeland the enormous joy of their families and of all our people who have tirelessly fought for by hundreds shared

of solidarity committees and governments, parliaments, organizations, institutions, and individuals who, during the last 16 years, have conducted continuous and unrelenting efforts seeking the release. we convey our most profound gratitude and commitment to them all. president obama's decision deserves the respect and recognition of our people. i wish to thank and it knowledge mostupport of the vatican, eagerly the support of pope forcis in his efforts improving relations between cuban and the united states.

i would also like to thank the government of canada for facilitating the high-level between bothrtaken nations. turn, we have decided to release and return to the united origin whoy of cuban was working for that nation. and forion, humanitarian reasons, today we have also returned to his country the american citizen allen gross. , as has been our practice and in strict adherence for a legal system, the

prisoners concerned have received reduced sentences that includes the release of these individuals that the government of the united states had expressed an interest in. to renewlso agreed diplomatic relations. that theo way means key matters have been resolved, the economic, trade, and financial embargo which has led to enormous human and economic damage to our country. it must cease. measures of the embargo have now been codified into law, the president of the

united states has the executive authority to modify its instrumentation. we propose to the government of adoptited states that it mutual steps to improve the bilateral atmosphere and work relationsrmalizing between our two countries based on the principles of international law and the united nations charter. willingnesstes its to maintain cooperation in multilateral entities such as the united nations while technology our profound

differences, mainly in areas relating to national sovereignty, democracy, human rights, and foreign policy. i reassert our willingness to dialogue on all of these issues. call upon the government of remove thestates to obstacles hindering or restricting ties between our citizensamilies, and particularlyries, those restrictions related to traveling, direct postal service , and talk indications. -- and telecommunications.

the progress that has been made in our exchanges shows that it is possible to find solutions to many challenges as we have reiterated, we need to learn the art of coexisting in a civilized manner with our respective differences. talk abouttinue to these important issues at a later date. thank you very much. leahy and patrick chris van hollen of maryland were on the plane that carried allen gross back the united states from cuba. they spoke about that experience in their support for normalizing relations with cuba during a capitol hill news conference. this is 15 minutes.

>> good afternoon. we are here primarily to answer your questions. but before we do, i would like to note that the three of us went down to cuba this morning and brought alan gross back with us. we had mrs. gross on the plane with us going down. we have each visited alan gross a different times in prison in cuba. over the past several years, we have watched his condition

deteriorated. all three of us have been very concerned and all three of us , have spoken with the president and others about changing things to get him out. what has happened today is a positive step in many ways. first, a very positive thing for alan gross to be back with his family, at a time when his health conditions really requires it. sense, andn a longer i believe mr. gross would agree with this, it marks a step forward in relationships between our great country and cuba. i have often thought members would go to the president of the united states saying, stay tough those cast

castros will come down any day now. -- is that president kennedy, president johnson, president nixon, and you see where i am driving at. the fact is, cuba is still there. we ought to face up that we all have differences, but that we can improve the life of cubans, and we can improve the lives of u.s. citizens by stopping this idea of a closed door to cuba, where we tell american citizens, you can visited any country in ,he world that will let you win except for cuba. there are a lot of things in areas of education, medicine, culture, art, that should unite us and not divide us. will we a doctor political system? of course not. the reality is, we are 90 miles apart.

let's start finding out ways to at least work through our differences and embrace our areas where we are alike. just about every business group would like that and every religious group would like that. the pope has spoken very strongly on this. aders of business in the united states have, and it is now time for us as well. >> thank you. as senator leahy said, each of us visited alan gross over the years. i was able to see him just a month ago in a prison in havana. at that time, he said "i hope that this ordeal, the five-year ordeal, actually leads to something positive." today, when we got on the plane, i told him, when you look at what the president will announce here soon, you will see it has resulted in something very positive.

i just want to say that for say that this is a concession these moves that , are being made today, i think that is the wrong way to look at it, simply wrong. the policy we have had in place for the past 50 years has done more in my view to keep castro regimes in power than anything we could have done. so i am pleased that these actions have been taken. i think it will improve the cubans and isy , good for americans as well. some will say a cuban regime may now limit the travel of americans now that we are more able to travel, not freely, but in larger numbers. they may take measures, and they may. i have always said that if somebody is going to limit my travel, it should be a communist not my own government here. and it makes more sense for us

to allow travel. that is what we do. that is what we do as americans. >> well, it was an incredibly emotional moment, as you might imagine, when we walked off the tarmac into the building at the airport in havana and saw alan gross, who, i think, realized for the first time that after five years of effort, the moment had really arrived, that he was going home. as you have heard us say as we were gathered on the airplane and crossed the airspace, he put his hands up and gave a big hurrah. judy gross's life has been tireless for five years trying to bring her husband home. i had the honor of knowing alan before he was taken prisoner. judy and a whole group of people have been working hard for many

years to try to make this day happen. but i want to emphasize what my colleagues have said, which is that alan gross is thrilled to be free. but alan gross, having spent five years in a cuban prison, also very much believes that the president's new policy of engagement will lead over time to greater freedom and opportunity for the people of cuba. because, as our senators have said, when you try a policy for 54 years, and it fails by the measure you set out, which is to try to open and reform cuban society and cuban government, when it fails for 54 years, it is time to say, that policy has failed, let's try a different policy. and i do believe that more engagement and more communication, more travel, more trade, will lead to more more opportunities for the cuban people. and the people who should be most afraid of this opening are the people in cuba who are

afraid of making cuba more free. people who want to expand opportunity in cuba will be strongly in favor of this engagement. , the castrofailure brothers have survived over a presidents. it clearly did not get us to where we want to be. this is a new opportunity in bringing alan home and also trying a new policy of engagement with cuba. -- youror graham counterpart on the foreign operations of committee -- that he will block funding for opening the embassy in cuba. >> we already have intersection in cuba. the horses out of the barn there. the fact is, everyone will say how they will speak. there are 535 members of congress. 100 in the senate.

everybody has got to make up their mind how he or she wants to be. but, speaking as an american, i would hate to think as an american, either on business or visiting a whatever reason in another country, and something happens and i say, wait, i can always call my american embassy say, oh help, and they no, this is just about countries where we do not have an american embassy, sorry, you're on your own there it i do not think own. i do not think american businesses would like that. certainly, the businesses we spoke with would not like it. but just as individual americans, -- it is beneath the united states of america. >> could you address the politics for the new republican majority in the senate on how

the politics that stand going respect toh the embargo? reallyink that would be counterproductive to block funding for an embassy. we are going to have a lot more americans traveling to cuba. last year it was 400,000 or so. there will be a lot more under general licenses for travel. to tell those americans traveling there, sorry , there's no embassy good that is not right. we have not had a test vote on cuba for a while. we used are readily have votes on a provision bills, travel -- or imposing the travel ban. i'm sorry. we have not had one of those for

a while. there have been a lot of new senators coming in. we will see. my sense is that we are long past due, 50 years. 50 years. i think that politics are good. certainly, the policy is right. good politics usually follow. >> coincide with congress for leaving town for the rest the year, and, if so, why? >> for one thing, this was decided a number of days ago when it was assumed that the senate was going to be in session. i was one of those that assumed it was going to be. the white house assumed it. things came together when they came together. they have been working on this for a very long time. , the congressman have been down there

many times and talk with administration officials. they have been working very hard. they came together now. we were on the airplane coming cheerand it was after the that we were in u.s. airspace, how does it feel? we were both shaking. he said, patrick, i cannot tell you how good it feels. let's go forward. >> with respect to this point about what might happen in the approach asians -- appropriations process -- goingr rubio -- there's to be a new republican majority. even so, the potential good that you see in terms of tourism, business, and whatnot -- good and they possibly in peril that.

marco rubio is concerned that they might start cracking down and doing other things. do you feel that if the united states does not find an embassy aren't ambassador that this will fall apart at the seams. >> am not going to go into those hypotheticals. the fact is the united states has relations with another country, and embassy, and you make sure that our best men and women can be there to show the face of america. i guarantee you that just about every farm group, every business group, they academic music industry, will say, let's make this work. if you took a poll, and america majority oft americans want this. >> thank you. >> the president has normalized

relations with cuba. the fact is that with the person and charge of the intersession today now becomes the charge a despair of interaction. his status immediately changes regardless of how long it may or may not take the senate to act. the president as the executive can operate in the area of foreign affairs, and he has normalized relations. the appointment and nomination of an ambassador is part of that. the normalization occurred today in the senate. sorry. -- isff my radar in terms that a building? is that an office? >> we have a large section of people, a number of people down there who work with americans were there, who help answer

questions, look out for american interest rate we are ready have that we have had that for some time. white? why? >> because we had frequent flyer miles, you see. [laughter] >> jen saki gave some background information on the changing cuba policy. this portion of the briefing is 20 minutes. well, there has been quiet a lot going on today. i have a couple of items at the top. i would take at the front that the and golan's are here and we have a strategic dialogue starting with them it 2:30 p.m. we note today's ruling by the european general court about the

terrorist organization hamas do is eu sanctions listing. we are studying the court opinion carefully. according to a statement by the european union, the decision was based on procedural grounds. we understand that the eu sanctions on hamas remain in effect, pending the eu's decision on whether to appeal. the u.s. position on hamas has not changed. hamas is a designated foreign terrorist organization. hamas continues to engage in terrorist activity. it has demonstrated its intentions during the summers conflict with israel. the five thousands of rockets into civilian areas. it attempt to infiltrate israel through tunnels. we will continue to work closely with the european union on hamas related issues. we believe that the eu should maintain its terrorism sanctions on hamas. want tohis out, but i also point out to those of you who did not see it that the secretary -- this is not planned, but he had an

opportunity to greet allen gross and welcome him home. his lawyer and lawyers wife was there. they arrived at the airport at the same time for they were able to watch the president's remarks together. with that, matt, i go to you. , the statements the white house has put out is talking about immediately starting talks on normalizing relations and opening an embassy within the coming months. can you be more specific about when you would hope to be able to do either one? >> one of the steps that is outlined in the fact sheet that i would encourage you to look at assistante secretary of state for the western hemisphere will lead the delegation in january of 20 16

in havana. as with discussed on the call this morning, there are a range of discussions that need to happen with cuba. i can give you a prediction of the exact timeline. as you just noted, we said in the coming months we are going to take steps to pursue that, and we will see how it goes. >> but the coming months is rather vague. are you hoping to do this sooner rather than later? are we talking about 2015 question mar? presumably we are talking about the end of the president's term. typically don't say months if it something we want to do sooner rather than later, but i'm not in a give you a deadline, depending on how the discussion goes. >> the secretary said he looked forward being for secretary of some to go to cuba at point. i am wondering if it is a requirement or is it -- for

there to be normalized relations, in this case, or an embassy, or a fully fledged embassy there before he made such a trip? >> the trip is not scheduled yet. it is something he hopes to do next two years, while he is secretary state. i think we will determine as time goes on when an appropriate time will be in what will be required in advance. >> -- no requirement that that is the case. technically, legally, no. we will determine when it is appropriate. >> the appropriateness is not based on whether relations have the normalized or whether you have an embassy. >> again, we have not planned the exact timeline for the first up is going to be our assistant secretary going there and will have a discussion about what is appropriate going from there. >> you talk about establishing an embassy. there is an intersection that is there and has been there and has

been staffed by american diplomats for decades, right? isn't it essentially just a matter of formally changing your designation of that diplomatic an intersection to embassy?y question mar >> you can look at it like that. there is more that happens when you have formalized diplomatic relations in your working together on different issues. with an embassy, that increases the range of activities and the services you can provide the citizens. >> i get that. i wanted to make sure the people understood that it's not like -- even though you have not had to collect relations since 1961 -- it's not like you have had a great many foreign service officers in cuba representing u.s. interest as best they could. >> sure.

there are a range of steps that have been taken today. we are beginning a process to pursue a much more formalized relationship. that is something that is a big change, of course. >> do you know what you to resumey need to do diplomatic relations with a country with whom you have previously severed them? is it an exchange of notes? >> i do think i have something on this. well, as you may know, but for everybody's awareness, the constitution grants the president the authority to receive ambassadors and other and this grants, of authority has long been understood to provide the president with the authorities to establish diplomat relations with foreign nations. so, this is a decision that the president has made to pursue. there are numerous examples in

history. --re are a range of strips steps that we want to take do conversations and discussions over the course of time. >> you can't say whether it is actually just the president issues an executive order or you have an exchange of notes. >> i can check on the technicality. i'm happy to. >> there are at least two senators, and i presume there will be more -- i shouldn't presume. there are two who say they are going to block any funding for an embassy and block the nomination of any ambassador the president might nominate to the ambassador cuba. i'm just wondering on the embassy funding part of that, there is already a rather large office building there. what kind of additional funding would you be asking for from congress to have an embassy? would the senators who were opposed actually have anything to oppose, any request to

oppose? >> that is a good question for it we are not right there yet. obviously, there hasn't been funding requested or you would know that. >> funding and intersection -- many years. >> based on her announcement today, it's not as if new funding has been a question. that isaware that something we are ready to discussion. have thenly opportunity. we understand that many feel very strongly about a cuba policy. when we hear from people across the political spectrum, the main focus is on the cuban people and how we can be more supportive. that is exactly the objective of this policy. obviously, there have been consultations leading up to today, and there will continue to be in the weeks ahead. >> ok. understanding that you think this move in reopening an embassy with foldable medic

relations is going to be a good thing and help support the cuban people, to be devils advocate here for a second, over the course of the last couple of years opening embassies -- u.s. embassies -- or restoring foldable medic relations with countries have not resulted in great benefits for people. look at south sudan. burmat what happened in weather are many human rights complaints. the u.s. had for the medic relations with cuba win human rights were abysmal earlier. what makes you think that this move now at this point is going to be -- benefit the cuban people? >> well, i was a couple of things. one, -- two, this policy has been updated and has not worked for sometime. many people agree on that point. three, as outlined in the fact sheet, there are a range of

steps at the treasury department, commerce department are taking with the full support of the secretary of state and of course the president that he certainly action's. -- certain restrictions. those are benefits to the cuban people. for, i would say that this does not mean that we don't have existing concerns, but we will continue to address human rights, democracy, although we have seen a notable decline and long-term detention of cubans. carry outnue to short-term arrest of citizens we have seen continued issues with freedom of speech and freedom of media. that with thees support of the many programs that we will continue to run that we will continue to work on. >> the continuation of programs. as you know, my employer has been running a series of stories about usaid. public attempts

-- i don't know what you would call it. to influence or give the cuban people let's say, a voice, are those kinds of things going to continue now since this announcement? two, did the departure of the usaid chief this morning play into this at all? >> sure, there is absolutely no relationship between the departure of the head of usaid, the rest of the president for six years now, five years, thank you. i think everybody would agree and had made the determination some time ago, separate from this announcement that he would be leaving around this time. as you know, there has been a review of many of our programs and have been changes that usaid has announced. however, we continue to believe that access for civil society, democracy programs are positive

and something we will continue to fund in supporting cuba. >> ok. the same kinds of one's. the things with rappers. >> there are a number of programs that may not continue to run. i when i can into the specifics of that. that has been a review that has been done and completed sometime ago. >> you are going to stop some? there are some programs them in a continue as a result of a review that had nothing to do with the 18 months of discussions -- negotiations? the programs that ap reported on ended years ago. we have done that on a case-by-case raises. we will continue to. >> on cuba, let's get going in cuba. exchanginganics of diplomats and embassies, but first, the senate foreign relations chairman said today that president obama was

rewarding a brutal dictatorship. is that the proper description? would point you to the comments of not just the president of the united states of the statement we put out by the secretary of state. i would take either one of the first conversations that secretary kerry had with president obama about foreign policy and the second term agenda was about cuba. was not that the policy longer working. it was not serving our national security interest. it was not serving the interest of the cuban people. embassies,lishing what are the steps? i know that you are talking with them. >> i already addresses. in the interest of getting to everybody's question, i would point you to that. >> can you tell us about the -u.s. intelligence assets released today?

senior administration officials have said that he helped to resolve that led to the prosecution of a couple of cases. i was wondering if you could clarify. in 2001.ndicted walter kendall myers, who was the other person, 2009. given that this gentleman had been imprisoned for 20 years, how did he help to provide information in the specific cases? >> i don't think it will surprise you that we will not get into specifics of how any individual provides us with intelligent information. makes -- this was an incredibly viable asset, somebody who -- many details of

-- a lot of what this individual corporation provided is classified and remains classified, which i can't get into. he provided a range of thermation that led to identification and conviction of a range of individuals that meant to do the united states time. i can't get into more specifics than that. -- 40was already aware new information on these cases before they were indicted and subsequently convicted? >> i cannot get into more specifics on that. >> the involvement of the vatican in the u.s.-cuba relations -- when did that began? was it at the behest of the administration? initiative by the vatican? -- did secretary kerry

discuss the possibility of the rapprochement when he met with the vatican in january? >> obviously they played an important role, as was evidenced by the presidents mention in his own remarks. in terms of when they specifically got involved or how, i need to check on that and see how much we want to provide publicly and what their culpable with. >> related cuba. a more general question about the sanctions and isolation. saidssia, president obama he doubts that the sanctions will change the president's mindset, but hopes they will influence politics inside russia. has the policy of sanctions and isolation changed politics inside of cuba question mark -- cuba?

>> every country is different it with russia, i would say that the sanctions have been put in place because of the actions -- the aggressive actions that russia has taken in ukraine. they have it within their power to bring in into the sanctions. there has long been an offering. cuba is an entirely different country with an entirely different set of circumstances. we look at each country and decisions we make with policy differently. do we have any more on cuba? is there any more on the technical process of determining the status of -- >> sure. many give your little bit more information on how that works. as noted in the fact sheet at the six-month review, which obviously the secretary will be beginning quickly, he will oversee it. it will certainly be led by our bureau of western hemisphere bureau.

here are some technical answers for you. i think other people have questions about. cuba'ssident may resend designation as a state sponsor of terrorism if he submits to congress 45 days before the decision certifying that cuba has not supported terrorism in six months and that has provided assurances that will not support terrorism in the future. ivc, there will be a six-month review and a recommendation that will be made in advance of that. and to get to your second question -- >> is that truly the recommendation we made following the six month review? >> right. i don't think i said something different. the relevant statutes also provide for that within 45 days after the receipt of the report from the president congress would need to enact a joint resolution on the matter

prohibiting this in order for not to happen. does that make sense? it will happen if the president makes a recommendation, and lesser is a joint resolution supported that prevents it from happening. >> the political environment in congress, are there any concerns that congress could do something like that? we will i don't think prejudge the outcome of a review that has not started. obviously, we will let the six-month review happen and see with the recommendation is and then we'll see what the president decides. at that point in time, hopefully there will be more progress that will have been made with our relationship. -- thereical question hasn't been a secretary of state to visits since 1945, but when was the last highest -- who was the highest ranking last official divisive havana. -- this would be

before roberta. i can remember her name. she led the delicate nation for migration. >> we are happy to check on that. are you asking about a state department official? or any official? >> i don't know there are other agencies. another thing on this, every year for the past several decades, you guys have been embarrassed by boats at the u.n. general assembly condemning the embarrass, butst completely isolated with the exception of israel with this last round. are you hoping that this will bring an end to those boats? -- votes? >> i don't know. >> do you care?

presidentsay that the -- we will check it -- she is still employed there. the president believes and the secretary believes that the embargo is out dated and has not accomplished its purpose. they believe that the changes that we announced today, which builds upon the changes that were announced in 2009 in 2011, will channel more resources to the cuban people and allow them to control their lives. we support congress taking legislative steps. we fully recognize that it is unlikely in the immediate future. >> remind me again what was the purpose of the embargo? aware of whatr the purpose of the a bar go was. >> was it regime change? >> the initial goals, you know -- >> does that mean your new policy has the same objective is

the embargo? >> this policy has not worked. we need to take a new approach. that is what we are doing. go ahead. >> it's my understanding that it was a small team that led the effort, is that correct question mark >> yes. >> was there any -- you have a date on which that effort began with meetings with cuban officials, not the timeframe when the president asked for review, but when the two sides actually began meeting? question two, was there any state department involvement in those negotiations or was it run without state department participation? >> there were two individuals who were doing the direct

negotiations it however, there were individuals, including the closelyy, who were consulting with the white house throughout the process. as i mentioned a little bit earlier, one of the first conversations that the secretary had with the president was about the fact that cuban policy is outdated and we need to take a new approach. one of the ways that he has been involved in this is that he has engaged quiet a few times with the foreign minister of the vatican. he has also spoken several times with the cuban foreign minister. he has also been engaged with his colleagues in congress as well. supported a change in this policy, as i mentioned, and advocated for many opportunities, of course the release of allen gross, which is not what this is. our role is focused on what we

do moving forward. as you know from the briefings this morning, we are response for what a bit, whether it is the role of the review or the role and moving forward on to promote relations. that is what we have been preparing. >> when to these talks begin? >> let me see about the detail we want to get into publicly. the u.s. status of --al race at quicktime a what time obey. >> the president and the secretary or moving forward on a policy to" time obey. >> a discussion with national security with counterterrorism advisor. former bush administration homeland security advisor fran townsend. janet yellen holds a news conference on monetary policy and the economy. later, another chance to see president obama's remarks following the release of usaid

contractor allen gross from cuba. >> on the next washington journal, formal acting cia director for the bush administration john mclachlan on the cia's enhanced interrogation techniques. then david roth called of foreign policy magazine about his book national insecurity and the obama administration's foreign-policy challenges. that is followed by a look at the impact of the medical devise tax, included in the affordable care act. our guest is mark laity, president and ceo of the medical devise manufacturing association. you can join the conversation when washington journal takes her calls, e-mails, facebook comments, and tweets, live every day, 7 a.m. eastern on c-span. >> the heritage foundation hosted a panel discussion on the economy and what to expect when

the 114th congress -- on economic and tax policy. that is here on c-span. >> here are some the programs you will find this weekend on the c-span network. 930 ony night and c-span, seth rogan on politics and humor. harvard institute of politics pretend the sunday evening at it :00 p.m. on c-span q&a, author and town hall.com author of what she perceives of the hypocrisy of ripples -- liberals on the war on women. on c-span2 on big tvs afterwards, we impartial it's -- william dershowitz on how to think critically. morning, just before 11:00, book tv visits west lafayette, indiana to interview

the city's authors and to her its literary sites. on american history tv on c-span3, saturday at 6:00 p.m. eastern on the civil war, damien shields talks about the life of irish and american soldiers and the role in the confederate army in the battle of franklin, tennessee. sunday afternoon at four clock on real america, a 1974 investigative piece on san francisco's kr when tv, on the history of tv brutality. you can find a complete schedule on c-span.org and let us know what you think about the programs you're watching. was at the following number. e-mail us at the following address. tweak -- tweet. join us the conversation, follows on twitter. >> the atlantic coast of the national security discussion on wednesday with obama

administration homeland security and counterterrorism advisor, adviseraco, and former fran townsend. cyber included isis, threats, and recent threats of terrorism against sony pictures. this is one hour. >> hello, everybody. and welcome to women of washington where we spotlight eminent women of the city and extremely leaders. among the people we have met , these are great women of washington. we call this serious bites acronym, wow. my thanks to exxon mobil for making this policy -- possible. would you stand. [applause] thank you to you and your team.

this reaches straight into the heart of a lot of men and women around washington. the two women we will meet today have dedicated their lives to public service and dealt with some of the most daunting issues of our time, ebola, terrorism, torture, immigration, cyber security. the homeland security and counterterrorism advisor to president obama. they have played vital front-line roles, high-powered, high-pressure jobs. they will sit down with my colleague. they will talk about national security, the white house experience, and the trajectory of their lives in their work. before we begin, just a small -- reminder, silence your cell phones. we will have time for your questions afterwards but with

that, take it away. >> hello, everybody. happy holidays. i wore my red sox. thank you for joining us. i am obsessed with national security issues. it is so cool to make our final program of the year about the subject to usually when we have these events, we tried to work out our deals with the stars and say can you give us a big report, can you give us something about terrorism incidents. the things that you guys do our very much in the news. the challenges, whether it's isis -- we were just talking about cuba -- you talked about guantánamo a few times. what i like part of is that you to have known each other and been in the same business. both of you had the same key job.

how did you to first meet? >> i will start. it's great to be here. i like to think the museum and the sponsors. >> i hope you feel that when the interview is over. >> this will be the best part of my day. i was a young lawyer in the justice department and i would consistently see this woman, clearly had, everything together, who had walk in race to the attorney general. it was because she was standing on the front lines, keeping us safe, dealing with national security issues, intelligence issues, and that was my first impression of fran. >> that was your first impression of lisa? >> i was doing the national security division, which is a job that lisa held earlier. i was the predecessor to that.

for thesponsible wiretaps in the national security arena and would often have to go in. lisa was this bright young lawyer and there was nothing she did not want to learn. it was a particular narrow area of law. not many people understood. a lot of people did not understand what pfizer was good she had a voracious appetite and intellect to absorb all that. she showed interest and acumen in the area. >> i want to talk with you both. we're going to open this up and get -- we want to get to the substance of how you think about counterterrorism, how you think about cyber threats, what you are thinking about isis, and a whole variety of things out there. i want to start with some thing more mundane. and you set at your job have the task of advising the president of the united states on this sort of stuff, how do

you approach that? does the president have a good day or that day, isn't like "house of cards," i mean, there could be tv shows based on both of you to down the road. his personality involved, or is the u.s. intelligence not see an machinery so big that human beings in the middle of that really don't matter? >> i think human beings matter tremendously. the relationships that you are able to build in our job, the one i hold and the one that fran previously held is critical. you have to be able to take people around the table, literally and figuratively, and understand rapidly why situation is a what might be, and to be able to relay that to the president and hopefully the right be clear give the -- hopefully be right, be clear, give the best information you can, and it is integrated into all other aspects of the cabinet and it is vital.