ICYMI: The Cuban Embargo Is Still In Place

A lot of Americans think that the embargo against Cuba has ended. It hasn't. Here's why:

On February 3, 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed an embargo on United States trade with Cuba, effectively barring all travel and trade between the two countries. Today, this act is still in place.

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American tourism and trade are still illegal in Cuba, despite diplomatic maneuvering, presidential visits, celebrity instagrams and bilateral meetings. Americans are still restricted from selling their goods to Cubans, or investing in Cuba. Americans still cannot fly directly to Cuba -- there are no commercial flights. Our relations have thawed, but we are nowhere near normal relations.

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Though over 100,000 Americans travelled to Cuba in 2015, the United States still prohibits American tourism in Cuba. Restricted travel itineraries are required, and commercial flights from the US to Cuba do not yet exist.

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Back up. What has recently improved?

- Banking services were reestablished between the two countries

- Obama removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism

- Embassies opened in Washington and Havana

- Diplomatic relations were restored

- Frequency of chartered ($$$) flights have increased from DC, LA, NYC, and Miami

- Telecommunications agreements have been signed -- you can now roam in Cuba with T-Mobile

- All 2016 presidential candidates support ending the embargo

But, the rest of it still stands.

What's the hold up?

This will come as a shocker to no one: Congress. The Cuban Embargo is codified in American law. Until our Senators and Congresspeople are inspired to end the embargo, you can forget about your beachside mojitos, (or, your desire to "see Cuba before the Americans ruin it"). We still can't go.

What can be done?

A majority of Americans (even young Cuban Americans) support ending the trade and travel ban with Cuba. Currently, multiple bills are floating around in Congress intending to ease or end restrictions on Cuba. The bill likely to pass first is the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, which has 49 backers in the Senate. If a Senator intends to filibuster the act (which is possible) it would need 60 votes.

So, Congress is standing in the way of your fleeky instas of Old Havana and mojitos on the Malecon. You might want to hit them up.