Republican senators split over diplomatic ties with Cuba

Two Republican senators are split over restoring diplomatic ties with Cuba amid thawing relations with the island nation.

President Obama will make a historic trip to Cuba next week, marking the first visit by a sitting president in 88 years.

{mosads}Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who will be part of the bipartisan group of lawmakers accompanying the president, disputed criticism that restoring diplomatic ties with Cuba won’t stop the government in Havana from committing human rights violations.

“If we want people in Cuba to have better human rights, then we’re doing the right thing,” Flake said.

Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), a Republican presidential candidate, denounced Obama’s effort with Cuba, however.

A descendant of Cuban immigrants, Runio echoed outcries from colleagues, including Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), another GOP presidential hopeful, that Cuba isn’t changing in exchange for improved relations with the U.S.

“We are getting nothing in return,” Rubio said during Thursday’s GOP presidential debate. “Cuba and its regime remains an anti-American communist dictatorship.”