[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ALLOW PUERTO RICO SELF-DETERMINATION

  (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 856, a 
bill allowing the people of Puerto Rico to exercise their right to 
self-determination.
  After 99 years of being disenfran-chised citizens, the 3.8 million 
U.S. Citizens of Puerto Rico have earned their right to define their 
relationship with the rest of the Nation. Puerto Ricans have valiantly 
and honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have been involved in 
every major armed conflict, starting with World War I. Many Puerto 
Ricans have sacrificed their lives to preserve the goals of the United 
States. Currently there are 146,000 war veterans residing in Puerto 
Rico. The number of Puerto Rican men and women serving in the Armed 
Forces has exceeded the number of soldiers serving from many larger 
States.
  The Korean War in particular highlights the noteworthy sacrifices of 
the people of Puerto Rico. In per capita terms, Puerto Rico ranks 
second in the Nation with respect to the number of men and women who 
died in that war. Moreover, the 65th Infantry Regiment, composed 
entirely of Puerto Ricans, was the most highly decorated regiment in 
the world, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious 
Unit Commendation, two Republic of Korea Presidential Citations, and 
the Bravery Gold Medal of Greece.
  Clearly, Puerto Rico has made critical contributions with the blood 
and sweat of its own to defend democracy and freedom throughout the 
world.
  The Puerto Ricans have been diligent in serving the Nation when 
called. Should not the U.S. Congress be diligent in granting their 
earned right to self-determination?
  I urge Members to support H.R. 856.

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