On the recordFebruary 17, 2011
I am compelled to respond to remarks delivered yesterday on this floor by my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois, in which he harshly criticized the duly elected government of Puerto Rico and the island's chief Federal judge. The speech was inappropriate and insulting to the people of Puerto Rico. I hope such action will not be repeated, but if it is, make no mistake: I will return to the floor of this House again to defend my constituents and the government they chose in free elections from all unwarranted attacks. I will rise then in the same capacity that I rise now, as Puerto Rico's only elected Representative in Congress and the only Member of this Chamber who can make any claim to speak on behalf of the island's nearly 4 million American citizens. I will fight for my people because it is my privilege, my honor, and my duty to do so.
