On the recordJune 10, 2015
Today is Dia de Portugal, a time when Portuguese Americans and families of Portuguese descent around the world come together to celebrate their shared heritage and rich cultural traditions. Over the years, the United States and Portugal have shared a strong friendship, beginning in May of 1791 when Portugal became the first neutral country to recognize the new American Government and continuing today through the pursuit of our shared national security objectives, including our cooperation in the global war on terror. I am particularly honored to celebrate Day of Portugal because my district, Rhode Island's First Congressional District, has a larger percentage of Portuguese American constituents than any other congressional district in the country. As chair of the Portuguese American Caucus, I am proud to join my Portuguese American constituents in celebrating Dia de Portugal and working to strengthen U.S.-Portugal relations through my work in Congress today by fighting to maintain operations at Lajes Field in the Azores and working to promote better cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education, tourism, and health. I wish everyone celebrating today a Happy Day of Portugal. ____________________
