Adriano Espaillat: “I thank Congressman Suozzi for his leadership on this bill and for working with me on this fight for justice. I also…”

“I thank Congressman Suozzi for his leadership on this bill and for working with me on this fight for justice. I also want to thank Chairwoman Waters and Ranking Member McHenry for working with us to get this bill out of the committee. Today, I rise in support of this bill to honor a group of brave men who have yet to receive their due commendation: the Harlem Hellfighters. This distinguished group of African-American and Puerto Rican men were patriots of the highest valor. Their bravery, dedication, perseverance, and service helped the United States and our Allied forces in our fight to secure victory. But, Madam Speaker, these fighters weren't even permitted to serve alongside their fellow White soldiers. Our government threw them to the side--assigning them to a unit of the French Government rather than our own. They put their lives on the line for the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, despite doing so at a time when many like them did not enjoy the very freedoms they fought to protect. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.”