WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana:

"Today’s flag raising is a strong symbol of the commitment we are making to re-establish relations with Cuba, to increase people-to-people ties, to expand commerce, and to ultimately empower the Cuban people to improve their lives. I’m confident that re-establishing diplomatic relations is the best way to bring democracy and prosperity to the people of Cuba, and I’m looking forward to a much brighter future between our two nations."