Today in Harrisburg, prominent leaders from across the Commonwealth launched the bipartisan Engage Cuba Pennsylvania State Council.

Thursday, April 19 marked a historic transition of power in Cuba. Rather than seizing the moment as an opportunity to rebuild relations, the U.S. seemed further from Cuba than it had in decades.

"The ascension of President Diaz-Canel marks a historic generational change in Cuba. While many will speculate on what this change will mean, much is unknown. What we do know is that the future of Cuba is for the Cuban people to decide, and we should play a constructive role in the process."

"Today began the official presidential transition in Cuba after almost 60 years of Castro-led government. It is a historic and potentially transformative change."

Today, Engage Cuba released a report that illustrates how the U.S. withdrawal from Cuba has enabled greater Russian and Chinese influence, threatening U.S. national security, compromising diplomatic aims, and hindering U.S. economic expansion in the region.