Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the amendment because I believe it will muddy the waters of an otherwise clear choice that would be presented to the voters of Puerto Rico. I also rise with tremendous respect for my colleagues and friends, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and Congressman Luis Gutierrez, while at the same time rising in strong support of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act. Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory for 111 years, and its residents have been U.S. citizens since 1917. Puerto Ricans have a rich history of service to our Nation. They have served honorably in our military as Federal officials and as ambassadors. Our newest member of the Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, is of Puerto Rican descent. Yet, in all of this time, the people of Puerto Rico have never been given the chance to express their views about the island's political relationship with the United States in a meaningful vote sponsored by Congress. Because H.R. 2499 embodies the commitment to democracy that defines our Nation, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes.'' I am proud that 20 of the bill's cosponsors hail from my State of Florida. The bill has received overwhelming bipartisan support from my State's delegation because of the close relationship between Florida and Puerto Rico. My district alone is home to more than 30,000 individuals of Puerto Rican descent, many of whom travel frequently to the island to visit family members.…”