U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has returned to the U.S. after joining the first Congressional delegation to visit Cuba since the United States changed its diplomatic status concerning the island nation.

Negotiations with the Cuban government on improving relations will begin tomorrow. Durbin says the Cuban people have taken notice. He says reformers and activists are hopeful life can improve in Cuba after the recent thaw in relations.

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Durbin believes there's a good precedent for this kind of debate.

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Durbin calls the trip very productive. He believes reestablishing travel and trade relations will help farmers, small businesses and working families.