Lawmaker says US to lift Cuba embargo by 2010

A senior Democratic lawmaker says the US Congress is likely to lift the five-decades-old embargo on Cuba before the end of 2010.



Charles Rangel says he believes the current Congress, which goes through next year, will lift the trade ban.



Mr. Rangel, who is a long time critic of the embargo heads the powerful Ways and Means committee of the House of Representatives.



He was responding to a question at an event with other lawmakers to push for action on legislation to ease US restrictions on trade and travel to Cuba.



Last month, US President Barack Obama took a step toward improved relations with Cuba by easing restrictions on family travel to the island.