There was tense testimony in Congress Wednesday over the upcoming policy changes with Cuba.
Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson testified in Congress ahead of Thursday's fourth round of talks between Cuban leaders, Jacobson and her team.
But some congressional leaders are not convinced the move will benefit the U.S.
Jacobson testified Thursday that Cuban and U.S. officials have found common ground on issues like maritime and aviation safety, telecommunications and environmental cooperation.
But deeper discussions on law enforcement cooperation and returning American fugitives from justice remain to be considered.
Meantime, Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terror is expected to expire next week. Jacobson said there doesn't appear to be any movement in Congress to challenge the president's action to remove Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terror.
Sen. Bob Menendez hammered the president's push to remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list, which is set to happen in the next 10 days.
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Jacobson told senators on the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee that major changes in our economic relationship with Cuba will require congressional action to lift the long-standing embargo.
she said the president has urged Congress to begin that effort.
