President Bill Clinton is expected to make an official announcement
                  Tuesday.

                  Many analysts believed a bipartisan commission would likely have
                  recommended ending a nearly 4-decade-old embargo on Cuba. The State
                  Department official said the commission was not needed at this time.

                  However, she said the United States would increase "people-to-people"
                  assistance to Cuba, including:

                       Expanding the remittance program which allows U.S. residents to
                       send money to relatives in Cuba. Currently, only family members may
                       send a maximum of $1,200 each year. Under the changes, any U.S.
                       resident will be allowed to send the same annual limit.

                       Allowing the sale of food to independent, nongovernmental
                       organizations, such as the Catholic Church.

                       Increasing the number of direct charter flights between the United
                       States and Cuba.

                       Establishing direct mail service between the two countries. At present,
                       mail often takes months to reach its destination.

                       Enhancing broadcasts of the U.S.-based, anti-Cuban government
                       radio station, Radio Marti.

                  An existing ban on tourism by U.S. citizens to Cuba will remain in effect.

                  The senior official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the
                  measures are not intended to improve relations with the Cuban government,
                  but to show support for the Cuban people.

                  Cuba's government has reacted to humanitarian gestures by the United
                  States in the past with contempt, saying it is not looking for handouts from
                  the United States. But the Cubans have been keenly interested in talk of
                  forming the policy commission. Cuban officials have told CNN a review of
                  the U.S. policy with Cuba is necessary.

                            The Associated Press contributed to this report.