Will Dems end the Cuban embargo?

A few days ago, the U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to urge America to end its nearly 50-year economic embargo of Cuba. Naysayers can be forgiven for pooh-poohing the vote. After all, the resolution was non-binding and it was the 15th straight year that it had been passed.

The U.S. mission at the United Nations responded with Foggy Bottom's usual Cuba rhetoric:

We maintain this embargo to demonstrate our continuing call for economic and political freedom for all Cubans," U.S. envoy Ronald Godard said.

But word is floating around Capitol Hill that, when the Democrats take charge in January, the Cuban embargo may be on the chopping block. Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), the incoming chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has said the embargo is a "total failure." In the House, Charlie Rangel (D-NY), who is set to become chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, has in the past sponsored legislation to end the embargo.

Any change in Cuba policy, of course, would require the signature of President Bush. That's hardly a guarantee. But embargo foes must be taking comfort in the fact that Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is stepping down in January. That may give his brother a little more wiggle room, should he desire it.