It is not just U.S. citizens and Cubans that are excited about the current thaw that is taking place between the two nations that have have experienced icy relation for over five decades.

Much of the world has acknowledged joy and relief that the process of normalization has begun. Back in December, when President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro announced a restoration of diplomatic relations, the European Union described that move as a "historical turning point." As reported by the BBC, Pope Francis sent his "warm congratulations" to both leaders for overcoming "the difficulties which have marked their recent history."

But the one group that is not on board with easing trade and travel restrictions between the U.S. and its erstwhile Cold War foe is the conservative wing of the Republican Party -- and many Republicans in Congress are exercising whatever power they have to stall the thaw.

Opponents of Obama's otherwise-lauded plan to reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba are trying to use must-pass funding bills in an effort to limit Obama's ability to expand trade and travel with the island country.

As reported in USA Today, Republicans in Congress are trying to use complicated appropriations bills to block the president's plan. For his part, Obama has threatened to veto any GOP changes to his new policy.

In their efforts to hamper the White House’s plans for normalizing relations with Cuba, Republicans, who are being aided by some like-minded Democrats, have thus far approved several provisions designed to undercut Obama's plan to allow for more Americans (as well U.S.-made goods) to get into Cuba.

And Republican politicians, like Florida Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, feel that they have the people on their side.

Diaz-Balart says, "It's pretty clear that people don't want to just give up all leverage, all sanctions, getting nothing in return for the United States and doing nothing for the Cuban people."