By a narrow margin, the U-S House has defeated an amendment to ease travel restrictions to Cuba. The bill failed by a vote of 211 to 208. Republican Congressman Connie Mack—of Fort Myers— vehemently spoke against the measure Thursday.

“Do we want to reward the most notorious human right abuser in our hemisphere—with American trade, American commerce, and American currency? This is a call to conscience for this body. Do we want to stand for freedom? Or do we stand with tyrants? The choice today couldn’t be more black and white. Either you stand for freedom or you stand with Fidel. I urge all my colleagues to vote no on this amendment.“

Under current law, family visits to Cuba are limited to once every three years. Opponents call that “inhumane.” House members also voted to retain a trade embargo on Cuba—which as been in place since 1960. A measure to ease travel restrictions also failed in the Senate.