South Orlando News

Darren Soto was mentioned in FULL EQUALITY FOR PUERTO RICO..... on page E246 covering the 2nd Session of the 117th Congress published on March 9 in the Congressional Record.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

FULL EQUALITY FOR PUERTO RICO

______

speech of

HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

of american samoa

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 105th anniversary of Puerto Ricans gaining the right to U.S. citizenship. For the past 105 years, Puerto Ricans have served this country with the utmost distinction, especially the more than 235,000 Puerto Ricans that have donned this country's uniform.

During this time of celebration, I would also like to bring to the House's attention the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act, which would grant Puerto Rico statehood. I wholeheartedly support this bipartisan piece of legislation that simply executes the wishes of the people of Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans have spoken, and it is time for us to listen.

As a Member of Congress from a territory, I can tell you that a lot has been said in recent years about the status of U.S. territories and their place in America. A lot of the noise that has been generated has been from people and groups outside the territories, who cannot comprehend the complexities of life in the territories. In my view, it is up to the people in each of our territories to express their wishes for their own futures.

This bill is the manifestation of those exact wishes. On November 3, 2020, a majority of Puerto Ricans answered with an emphatic 'Yes' when asked if they wanted to be a state. No ifs, ands; or buts.

It is our duty as Members of Congress to immediately follow through on the demands of the people of Puerto Rico, and anything less would do them a great disservice. I am proud to stand with my good friends Representatives Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico and Darren Soto of Florida as they seek to deliver for Puerto Ricans.

____________________

SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(2)

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