On the recordDecember 13, 2018
It is a great honor to stand today in solidarity with my sister, ``mi hermana,'' Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, in calling for what is long overdue: statehood for Puerto Rico. The residents of Puerto Rico, more than 3 million strong, have been U.S. citizens for more than 100 years, yet they continue to be denied equal rights, including voting representation in this body. This inequality has consequences. As we saw so vividly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has faced injustices that no U.S. State would have to endure. The Puerto Rican people have demonstrated their preference for statehood repeatedly, and they should be given a chance to cast a straightforward vote whose results will be respected: yes or no on statehood. My departing colleague from south Florida will be greatly missed in this cause, and in so many others, but I know she will continue the fight as a private citizen. I will fight twice as hard in her absence to ensure equality for Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans once and for all. I will miss you, friend. ``Te voy a extranar, amiga.'' ____________________
