WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2015) - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after President Obama announced an agreement to re-open embassies in the United States and Cuba:

"Re-opening our embassy in Havana and agreeing to open a Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C. is a positive step in changing the course of our relationship with Cuba. This embassy will serve as a way to increase contact between governments, establish diplomatic relationships, and engage with the Cuban people.

"This development is consistent with our national security interests, and will help increase economic opportunities. More importantly, I hope this change will lead to more progress in reversing the Cuban government's history of suppressing the human rights and civil freedoms of its citizens."