Furor Over Helms-Burton
The Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, known as the Helms-Burton law after its sponsors, Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) and Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.), was signed into law March 12 to tighten the U.S. embargo against Cuba. It takes effect Aug. 1.
The Law:
* Allows American companies and individuals to sue in U.S. courts foreign companies benefiting from property confiscated from Americans since 1959. President Clinton has until early next week to rescind this provision of the law.
* Denies U.S. visas to executives, majority shareholders and their immediate families of companies “trafficking” in such property.
The Reaction:
* Canada and Mexico are challenging the law in court, claiming that it violates NAFTA and other trade agreements. Both countries are moving to implement laws to allow their citizens to counter-sue in their courts.
* Canadian law currently prohibits U.S. subsidiaries in Canada from complying with Helms-Burton.
* Canadians have threatened to boycott Florida, where they spend an estimated $1.3 billion a year in tourist dollars.
* The European Union says it will retaliate if European companies lose business because of the law.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
