U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said he believes opening relations with Cuba could eventually bring an end to its authoritarian regime. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Dick Durbin)

By Eric Stock

WASHINGTON – President Obama is expected to announce a major overhaul of U.S. policy toward Cuba today.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., told WJBC's Scott Laughlin, after 55 years of no diplomatic relations with Cuba and little to show for it, this is progress.

"I think if you open up Cuba to trade and travel and the exchange of ideas, this whole authoritarian government is going to start crumbling and collapse," Durbin said. "This is historic."

CNN reports the move wouldn't open up Cuba to American tourists but would allow some travel.

This follows the release of American Alan Gross from a Cuban prison on Wednesday morning.  The Maryland man had been held in Cuba for about five years and is reported to be in declining health.  He was charged with espionage after being arrested for selling cellphones to Cubans.   

WJBC will carry Obama's remarks live at about 11 a.m. Listen on WJBC 1230 AM and WJBC.com. Cuban President Raul Castro is also expected to speak publicly later today.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott's interview with Durbin on WJBC.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].