[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1279]]



CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSTITUTION OF COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO 
                                  RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2002

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues from New York, Rhode 
Island, and throughout the country in opposing this resolution because 
I, too, find no reason to celebrate the anniversary of the Constitution 
of Puerto Rico. This constitution prolonged the colonial status of 
Puerto Rico when approved in 1952, and the people of Puerto Rico 
continue to be dependent on the absolute powers of the United States 
Congress under the territorial clause of the United State Constitution.
  As a result, the citizens of Puerto Rico lack full representation in 
the same United States Congress that retains absolute powers over their 
future and their children's future. Under the commonwealth status 
celebrated by this resolution, Puerto Rican citizens remain 
disenfranchised, as they cannot vote for the President or a voting 
Representative to the Federal Government.
  I rise today to express my continued support for Puerto Rico's 
statehood and oppose this resolution that celebrates the status quo of 
the commonwealth and colonial status. I stand by my colleagues who 
believe that the only suitable change in the relationship between 
Puerto Rico and the United States is an agreement that either brings 
Puerto Rico into statehood or independence.

                          ____________________