WASHINGTON - (INT) – After a half-century, the US and Cuba may be on the road to restoring normal relations. California lawmakers are welcoming the change.

It follows the release of an American aid worker held in Cuba for 5-years.

Senator Barbara Boxer said it’s a new chapter in US-Cuba relations “that rejects the failed policies of the past and embraces a new future”.

Riverside Congressman Mark Takano said “This course correction, which is a long time coming, will undoubtedly yield positive results and benefit our nation."

Story Date: December 20, 2014