Joe Cunningham: “one thing I think the members of Puerto Rico will see, I think this is one of the most healthy debates that I have seen…”

“one thing I think the members of Puerto Rico will see, I think this is one of the most healthy debates that I have seen on this floor in 7 years. It is issue-oriented. I have got conservatives for and against, I have got liberals for and against, and each with individual ideas. I commend both sides of this. I did not have time to speak on the floor. I would like to speak to the amendment but I would also like to speak to the bill. Teddy Roosevelt, Rough Rider, San Juan Hill, and yes, many, many members from Puerto Rico have shed their blood to support democracy and fight communism and socialism around the world just like many Americans have. I think you know how most of us feel about that. I would also say that the people, now nearly 4 million Puerto Ricans, have voted on several occasions on these issues. I know for me, and I will say this and I will give you my support, it is not required by Congress that they vote on what their determination wants to be. If you have at least two-thirds instead of 50 plus one on a very important issue like this, this gentleman will support it, but not on a 50 plus one vote. I think if we look, the Puerto Rican people themselves are divided on this particular issue.”