[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H10189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD

  (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to stand 
today in solidarity with my sister, ``mi hermana,'' Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, in calling for what is long overdue: statehood for Puerto 
Rico.
  The residents of Puerto Rico, more than 3 million strong, have been 
U.S. citizens for more than 100 years, yet they continue to be denied 
equal rights, including voting representation in this body.
  This inequality has consequences. As we saw so vividly in the 
aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has faced injustices that no 
U.S. State would have to endure.
  The Puerto Rican people have demonstrated their preference for 
statehood repeatedly, and they should be given a chance to cast a 
straightforward vote whose results will be respected: yes or no on 
statehood.
  My departing colleague from south Florida will be greatly missed in 
this cause, and in so many others, but I know she will continue the 
fight as a private citizen. I will fight twice as hard in her absence 
to ensure equality for Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans once and for all.
  I will miss you, friend. ``Te voy a extranar, amiga.''

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