Senator John Kerry Releases Millions in Cash to Promote Democracy in Cuba

Cuban-Americans carry a Cuban flag during a freedom for Cuba march in Miami, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. Cuban-Americans also commemorated the 15th anniversary of the shoot down of two Brothers of the Rescue planes by Cuban Migs in 1996. Four members of the organization were killed. The Brothers to the Rescue anniversary comes a day after the first anniversary of the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo after an eleven-week hunger strike. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz) (AP2011)

More cash could soon be headed to Cuba to develop its democracy promotions programs.

Sen. John Kerry says the Obama administration has agreed to review the programs in the Caribbean nation. He had been blocking $20 million in funding for the programs.

Frederick Jones, Kerry's spokesman, says the Massachusetts Democrat on Wednesday lifted his hold. But the funds still face a hold from fellow Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont.

Jones has said the State Department and USAID have agreed to report results of their review to lawmakers.

Kerry has said he was seeking to ensure the effectiveness of the program to promote human rights and basic freedoms. Established in 1996, the Cuba Program has been beset with reports that some grantees misused funds and the government provided little oversight.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee who was born in Havana and fled with her parents following the Cuban Revolution, praised Kerry and expressed disappointment with Leahy.

"The people of Cuba certainly don't deserve to be victims of this type of political wrangling or manipulation," Ros Lehtinen said. "Each day this hold remains is another day that those seeking freedom and democracy on the island are denied the critical assistance these programs would provide."

Based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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