Benjamin Gilman: “while I do not have any objections to this resolution, it does not paint the complete picture regarding the status of…”

“while I do not have any objections to this resolution, it does not paint the complete picture regarding the status of Puerto Rico. H. Con. Res. 395, does not represent the views of the majority of our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico. It is important that my colleagues are aware that most of our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico and many of our citizens of Puerto Rican descent do not share the sentiments of this resolution. Many of our constituents do not support continuation of Puerto Rico's current political status. The constitution enshrined Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory. Its approval attempted to legitimize the status, but it was controversial from the start. This subject to many is visceral, and several years ago nationalists were so enraged by this often-divisive issue that they fired shots in this very chamber. Their violence was unjustified and reprehensible, and world events clearly show that resorting to violence to have your voice heard does not advance one's cause. Advocates of the constitution were disappointed with the final result of an effort that was intended to enable Puerto Ricans to choose a permanent, non-territorial status as well as draft a local constitution. It only accomplished the latter goal.”