Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, my colleague and good friend Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Spanish was perfect, ``perfecto.'' As she has pointed out, I have long supported the cause of statehood for Puerto Rico, but the lack of action on our part has kept Puerto Rico from having a voice and a vote on this very floor, which is imperative for our great democracy. For over 100 years, the people of Puerto Rico have been proud American citizens. Plebiscite after plebiscite, Puerto Ricans have voted that they will no longer accept the territory status. Statehood will promote economic development and jobs on the island so that these American citizens can have a better life and stop losing its people to the mainland after the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon--that is her proper title, that is what it should be--whom I am proud to call my friend, has made statehood for Puerto Rico her priority, urging Republicans and Democrats alike, as you have heard, to act. We must listen and we must do what is right. As chairman emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I recognize that statehood will enhance our national security, serving as our Nation's third border in the Caribbean. Mr. Speaker, the status quo is simply unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to support statehood for Puerto Rico. ____________________”