[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FULL EQUALITY FOR PUERTO RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2022

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 105th 
anniversary of Puerto Ricans gaining the right to U.S. citizenship. For 
the past 105 years, Puerto Ricans have served this country with the 
utmost distinction, especially the more than 235,000 Puerto Ricans that 
have donned this country's uniform.
  During this time of celebration, I would also like to bring to the 
House's attention the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act, which would 
grant Puerto Rico statehood. I wholeheartedly support this bipartisan 
piece of legislation that simply executes the wishes of the people of 
Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans have spoken, and it is time for us to 
listen.
  As a Member of Congress from a territory, I can tell you that a lot 
has been said in recent years about the status of U.S. territories and 
their place in America. A lot of the noise that has been generated has 
been from people and groups outside the territories, who cannot 
comprehend the complexities of life in the territories. In my view, it 
is up to the people in each of our territories to express their wishes 
for their own futures.
  This bill is the manifestation of those exact wishes. On November 3, 
2020, a majority of Puerto Ricans answered with an emphatic 'Yes' when 
asked if they wanted to be a state. No ifs, ands; or buts.
  It is our duty as Members of Congress to immediately follow through 
on the demands of the people of Puerto Rico, and anything less would do 
them a great disservice. I am proud to stand with my good friends 
Representatives Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico and Darren Soto 
of Florida as they seek to deliver for Puerto Ricans.

                          ____________________