Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in fostering increased investment in the United States economy by one of our oldest allies, Portugal. As a co-chair of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus, I am proud to join Congressmen Cicilline and Valadao in leading the AMIGOS Act, which we introduced earlier this spring. Earlier this month, Senators Whitehouse and Hatch introduced the companion measure of the AMIGOS Act in the United States Senate. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would make Portuguese citizens eligible for specific visas that allow them to enter the United States to conduct substantial trade or to invest a substantial amount of capital. We do this with other nations. This will spur investment in our economy, and it helps create jobs. In 2015 alone, trade between Portugal and the United States reached $4.2 billion, and it is only growing. The AMIGOS Act will strengthen this reciprocal economic relationship, one of our longest and strongest allies. Strengthening relationships that benefit both countries is the best way to grow the economy and to increase the number of jobs in the long term, not trade tariffs. We have extended these visas before. In 2012, Congress granted, most recently, eligibility to Israel. Our friendship with Portugal and the contributions of hardworking Portuguese immigrants in America are an important part of our country's history and heritage.…”