Political Quotes

Patrick Kennedy: “The reason why this is so awful to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and people of Puerto Rican descent is…”

On the recordMarch 4, 1998
The reason why this is so awful to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and people of Puerto Rican descent is the same reason it is awful for people who feel that we ought to have statehood for Puerto Rico. That is, without statehood the people of Puerto Rico are put down. Just as she said, without statehood, the people of Puerto Rico can have their citizenship denied, because it will be up to this Congress in its constitutional authority, given the fact that Puerto Rico is a territory under the territorial clause of this United States Constitution, that at any time this Congress can take away the citizenship of the people of Puerto Rico.
Said by
Patrick Kennedy
Rhode Island
Source
govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the implications of Puerto Rico's territorial status and the lack of statehood.

Share

Share on XShare on FacebookEmail this quote

More from Patrick Kennedy

Mar 20, 2003

on rollcall No. 79 I was receiving a briefing on the war in Iraq with Secretary Rumsfeld and General Meyers. That occurred simultaneously with this rollcall. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

govinfo.gov
Mar 16, 2006

on rollcall No. 61, I was in a meeting with the Minister of Northern Ireland and missed the 2 minute vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

govinfo.gov
Jul 10, 2003

And let me say to the people what this bill does in terms of child labor. We always complain when we see those stories about that 5-year-old, that 12-year-old over in some part of this world that is weaving together a rug that will be sent…

govinfo.gov
Sep 9, 2004

I think we have before us a choice between science and stigma. Stigma is the biggest barrier to us making sure millions of Americans gain access to what is fundamentally a physical illness. You do not need to take my word for it. You have…

govinfo.gov
View all Patrick Kennedy quotes

Other voices in this conversation