Castro’s Resignation is a Progressive Step for Cuba (Rep. J. Gresham Barrett)

Yesterday’s news that Fidel Castro will resign as Cuba’s president is a progressive step for Cuba and its people.

For decades, many have witnessed how Cubans have been ruled by hard-line communism under Fidel Castro’s presidency. Our nation and many others have observed how the human rights conditions in Cuba have worsen over the years. We’ve watched Cubans request government reform as they have struggled for freedom and democracy under Castro’s communist rule.

Even before I was elected to public office, and as I am now a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have been concerned about the future of Cuba. I have hoped a democratic government would be put in place to provide Cubans with the freedoms Americans enjoy today. Hopefully, this transition will lead to an honest and fair election process to ensure that the Cuban people will be able to elect government officials who will best represent their needs.