While the legislation wouldn't lift the embargo, it would loosen some trade restrictions—for instance, lifting the rule that Cuban merchants must pay up front instead of upon arrival for U.S. exports. There would also be more disclosure of how much is spent (or, more pointedly, wasted) to enforce the notoriously unpopular ban.

The legislation may get stonewalled in the Senate, but Serrano seems to be angling for Obama's support for the changes, suggesting that previously, the Bush administration's veto threat was the main obstacle.

Meanwhile, Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is working to crack congressional intransigence. In the introduction to a new committee staff report on Cuba, Lugar says the government “must recognize the ineffectiveness of our current policy and deal with the Cuban regime in a way that enhances U.S. Interests.” (See Steve Clemons's analysis)

True, America's long, tortured affair with the Castro government might get sidelined as recession and war give Washington bigger fish to fry. But times of crisis could also spur lawmakers to finally consider replacing failing policies with sane ones.