Political Quotes

“first, I thank the distinguished senior Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over the territories, including Puerto Rico, for her advocacy, for her strength of passion in this effort, and for her work. I also thank my colleague from Florida who has always joined me on issues on Puerto Rico and who has always been a strong voice for the island. I would hope to prick the conscience of the Senate about the 3.5 million U.S. citizens who just happen to live on the island of Puerto Rico and to do something before this crisis transforms into a full- blown human catastrophe. These 3.5 million Americans who call Puerto Rico home have a long history with the United States. Over 200,000 of them have served in every conflict since World War I and worn the uniform of the United States. Over 20,000 of them currently wear the uniform of the United States and put their lives at risk for the safety and security of all of us here at home. They are stationed across the globe. If you went with me--and I invite any colleague who wants to go to the Vietnam Memorial--you would see a disproportionate number of Puerto Ricans who served in the Vietnam war and gave their lives on behalf of the country. Puerto Rico is an integral part of America and its people are as American as you and I. They have full citizenship rights.…”