[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 26 (Thursday, February 17, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               I WILL FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO

  (Mr. PIERLUISI asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I am compelled to respond to remarks 
delivered yesterday on this floor by my colleague, the gentleman from 
Illinois, in which he harshly criticized the duly elected government of 
Puerto Rico and the island's chief Federal judge. The speech was 
inappropriate and insulting to the people of Puerto Rico. I hope such 
action will not be repeated, but if it is, make no mistake: I will 
return to the floor of this House again to defend my constituents and 
the government they chose in free elections from all unwarranted 
attacks. I will rise then in the same capacity that I rise now, as 
Puerto Rico's only elected Representative in Congress and the only 
Member of this Chamber who can make any claim to speak on behalf of the 
island's nearly 4 million American citizens. I will fight for my people 
because it is my privilege, my honor, and my duty to do so.

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