Chuck Schumer: “I am disappointed that the House has silenced the voice of Puerto Ricans living on the mainland by denying them a vote…”

“I am disappointed that the House has silenced the voice of Puerto Ricans living on the mainland by denying them a vote in this historic referendum. If you have ever been to New York City's Puerto Rican Day Parade, you have seen firsthand the pride that Puerto Ricans living on the mainland have in their rich heritage. Their links to the island--their economic, cultural, political, and family connections--make them intensely interested in Puerto Rico's political identity. The referendum established by H.R. 856 is no typical election. It is the most momentous decision the people of Puerto Rico have ever made. We should have ensured that all Puerto Ricans were able to participate in their people's choice. For that reason, I filed an amendment to expand voting eligibility to all Puerto Ricans living on the mainland--both those who were born on the island and those who have at least one parent who was born here.”