[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND COMMEMORATING THE PASSING OF FORMER 
                   CONGRESSMAN CARLOS ROMERO BARCELO

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2021

  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
life of a former member of this House who defined an epoch in Puerto 
Rican Politics.
  On Sunday May 2nd, Carlos Romero Barcelo died, ending an outstanding 
career in Puerto Rico's political environment, as Mayor of San Juan, 
Governor, State Senator, and Resident Commissioner, and even after 
leaving elected office still an active leader in his party and in the 
cause of Puerto Rican Statehood to his very last days. He was one of 
the figures that marked indelibly the last 50 years of our political 
scene.
  In his younger years he was part of a group of leaders who saw the 
need for a vision of the cause of equality of rights for the American 
citizens of Puerto Rico. He, a Democrat, joined Luis Ferre, a 
Republican, to refocus the statehood movement towards bringing an 
answer to the needs of the people for prosperity and security and 
affirmation of their rights.
  In was this group that after many decades of virtual one-party rule 
in Puerto Rico established a balance of competitive elections, that 
expanded the use of primaries from local to national; that made it a 
goal to whenever possible attain equality in the rights and benefits of 
working families. And above all, to promote the essential step to 
equality and prosperity: the attainment of Statehood for Puerto Rico.
  That quest brought him repeatedly to the halls of this Congress, as a 
party leader, as a governor, and as a participant in the hearings 
processes for the Status Bills of 1989 to 1991. Finally, as part of 
this House from 1993 to 2001 where he stood out in this effort, 
including his work with Congressman Young on the last Puerto Rico 
status bill to pass the full House in 1998.
  Carlos was characterized for his energetic presence, for never being 
timid in expressing what he felt or believed, for demanding much of 
himself and of those who worked with him. His character was fiery, 
passionate, and inspiring in return strong passion both from supporters 
and opponents. You could not be neutral about him and he did not want 
you to be. But he also knew the value of teamwork and of giving an 
opportunity to those with potential. It was a privilege to know Carlos 
Romero, to work with him, to have followed and, yes, to have differed 
from him--if you had solid and respectful arguments, he returned that 
respect.
  Carlos was part of a family who lent many figures to Puerto Rico's 
politics for over a century, and whose members we now embrace in 
solidarity in this trying time. It was not always easy and public 
opinion was often cruel, but that is the price of service.
  It is the end of an era, and as we celebrate the achievements of a 
former member of this House it is also time to reflect and to reaffirm 
our commitment to the cause he stood for. It is now up to those who 
follow in his footsteps, to continue the journey towards that cause of 
equality for all, for which he worked throughout his life.
  May the light perpetual shine on Congressman Carlos Romero Barcelo.

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