José E. Serrano: “let me first say that I rise in strong opposition to the Solomon amendment and in favor, strong support, of the…”

“let me first say that I rise in strong opposition to the Solomon amendment and in favor, strong support, of the substitute language. Let me say that the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) is very courageous in taking this stance. He supports English only, but he knows it does not belong in this bill. That is what this issue is all about. Why not be fair? Why single Puerto Rico out? If it decides to become a State and if we allow it to become a State, it shall be governed by the law of the land. Everyone knows that. But why single it out now? Why try to make a statement that is unfair and a statement that is not necessary? The issue on the whole is one that is not necessary. Everyone knows that everyone learns to speak English both in Puerto Rico and here. As an Hispanic American, a Latino and Puerto Rican, I can tell you, we do not go around spending time figuring out how not to learn English. Do I not sound like a person who tries every day to improve on the language? I am going to get it right one of these days. This is a bad amendment, and it should not be here. Let me close with this: When Latinos or Hispanics sit around the dinner table and the issue of language comes up, it is never a plot against the English language. It is usually a lament about the fact that the children and the grandchildren no longer speak Spanish. So with that recognition, what is the fear? Let us go forward. Let us allow this bill to take place.”