Scott Powers
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy declared on the floor of Congress Thursday morning that she would like to see Puerto Rico become America’s 51st state.
The Democrat from Winter Park represents a district, Florida’s 7th Congressional District, with a large Puerto Rican population.
In her speech, the freshman congresswoman said the decision ultimately needs to be up to the resident of the island territory, but that she hopes they chose statehood. Residents there will get that chance in a referendum scheduled for this June.
Her remarks came on the 100th anniversary of when Puerto Rican residents were granted U.S. Citizenship. However, it is a limited citizenship.
Here is the text of Murphy’s remarks:
“A century ago today, a federal law granted U.S. citizenship to individuals born in Puerto Rico.
“Island residents have made countless contributions to this country in times of peace and war, serving with exceptional valor in our armed forces.
“The bonds between Puerto Rico and Florida are unbreakable. The state is home to over one million Puerto Ricans, with most living in central Florida.
“Puerto Rico is going through difficult times, and I am determined to help the island get back on its feet.
“The main reason Puerto Rico is struggling is because, as a territory, it is treated unequally under federal law.
“I support equal treatment for Puerto Rico because I oppose second-class citizenship.
“Ultimately, I believe Puerto Rico should discard its territory status and become a state or a sovereign nation.
“The choice lies with the people of Puerto Rico.
“My personal hope is that they will choose statehood, so they have full voting rights and full equality.
“Puerto Ricans have earned the right to become first-class citizens of the nation they have served with honor. “
4 comments
JIMBO BRELAND
March 2, 2017 at 11:03 am
P.R. IS AN ISLAND WHERE
BANKS ARE
DE-RISKING, POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT
AND FINANCIAL
INVESTMENT BY
THE UNITED STATES HAS
DISAPPEARED
DOWN A DEEP,
BLACK HOLE !
SOCIAL PROBLEMS, GANGS, DRUGS AND INSOLVENCY
ARE THE TOPICS OF THE DAY IN
PUERTO RICA !
WHILE THE US MILITARY MUST
CERTAINLY CONTROL THE
ISLAND FOR REGIONAL
SECURITY IN THE
CARIBBEAN…
” STATEHOOD IS OUT OF THE QUESTION !”
THAT DOG DON’T HUNT !
Waleska Gracia
March 2, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Mr. Breland I invite you to visit this island, and see for yourself who and what we are. We have the same issues states have, and a financial situation that may well be made worse by the new administrations yet unclear policies. Even though that hasn’t crushed our spirit. Our problems are no different from the issues facing many states on the mainland. One thing the people of Puerto Rico have never done is evade our duty towards mainland USA. If you do a little research you’ll see we’ve served proudly in all conflicts. Per capita we contribute more people to our military than many states. We happily carry both flags to the worldwide sports events where we excel, and bring home medals. We have incredible artists, writers, actors scientist, politicians. All of them proud and happy to contribute their gifts as citizens of the USA, and Puerto Rican’s. These islands are a paradise, and all people are welcome. All we ask is that they appreciate their beauty, traditions, and accept our hospitality. We take nothing away from the USA with our citizenship. We gladly enhance the rich tapestry of cultures which make up this amazing nation. Please don’t look only at the biased view of a few. Gift yourself a trip here, I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Roberto J
March 3, 2017 at 10:50 am
Wow Waleska, your comment was lovely. En el caso actual financiero el gobierno actual lleva apenas 2 meses en el poder y hay que darles tiempo para ver que soluciones muestran en mutuo acuerdo con la junta de planificación fiscal nombrada por el ex presidente Obama. Saludos
Roberto J
March 2, 2017 at 9:45 pm
All the 50 states have social problems and drugs. By the way…in Puerto Rico there is not gangs as in USA continental. We are served USA very well. So we will become the 51 state. Like it or not. Thank you Stephanie ☺
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