[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING YOUNG LEADERS ADVOCATING IN FAVOR OF STATEHOOD FOR PUERTO 
                                  RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2023

  Mrs. GONZALEZ-COLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group 
of young leaders from my District who are in Washington, D.C. this week 
advocating in favor of statehood for Puerto Rico.
  It fills me with joy to witness our young generation assuming a 
leading role in addressing Puerto Rico's political status and promoting 
efforts to champion the equal treatment of the 3.2 million American 
citizens in Puerto Rico. This group of young people has come to 
Washington to directly demand statehood in meetings with members of 
Congress and Senators. Their advocacy demonstrates not only their 
unwavering dedication to the cause but also their commitment to the 
democratic principles that uphold our nation. Their actions serve as an 
inspiring example for all, reminding us that the pursuit of equality 
and representation knows no age boundaries. As these young leaders 
continue to work tirelessly, their vision of Puerto Rico becoming a 
State of the Union draws ever closer to becoming a reality.
  Please join me in honoring Alexander Lopez, Alexander Nieves, 
Alexandra Melendez Iturrino, Andres Davila Suarez, Andres F. Rosado 
Martinez, Angel Morales, Anibal Rodriguez, Anthony Jimenez Chaparro, 
Antonio Diaz-Agosto, Aurelio Agelviz, Bianca Cardona, Braulio Hernandez 
Jimenez, Carol Perez Gonzalez, Cesar Mendez, Christopher Caban 
Echevarria, Coralys Vega Rodriguez, Edwin Francisco Rivera, Jahn 
Tacoronte Gonzalez, Jaime Ramirez, Javier Porrata, Josue Rivera, 
Keishla ``Keka'' Rodriguez, Kevin Romero, Luis Alberto Arroyo, Luis 
Carrucini Ortiz, Luis Miguel Clemente Rosario, Manuel Lopez Alamo, 
Marcos Fabian Gonzalez, Maria Quinones, Marino Puello Rivera, Oscar 
Rosa Vizcarrondo, Paola Gonzalez Negron, Paola Roman Goytia, Quiriat 
Rodriguez Nieves, Randy Rodriguez, Ricardo Marrero, Roberto Lefranc 
Fortuno, Saned Trinidad Alejandro, Santos Soel Gonzalez Garcia, Sherlyn 
Osorio Nieves, Valeria Santiago, Victor Berrios Sierra, Yeareb 
Rodriguez Nieves, Yeiline Nieves Diaz, and Zairelys Medina Villanueva 
for boldly championing the long-awaited equality that Puerto Ricans 
have consistently demanded. I also want to recognize Shadow Delegate 
Roberto Lefranc Fortuno for being an integral part in spearheading this 
effort to have young Puerto Ricans actively engaged in this movement.
  I am beyond proud of these leaders and applaud their efforts to 
advance Puerto Rican statehood.

                          ____________________