Florida Representative Stephanie Murphy (D) joined Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to support Puerto Rico statehood.
“A century ago today, a federal law granted U.S. citizenship to individuals born in Puerto Rico,” said the freshman member of Congress.
“Island residents have made countless contributions to this country in times of peace and war, serving with exceptional valor in our armed forces. The bonds between Puerto Rico and Florida are unbreakable. The state is home to over one million Puerto Ricans, with most living in central Florida.”
“Puerto Rico is going through difficult times, and I am determined to help the island get back on its feet. The main reason Puerto Rico is struggling is because, as a territory, it is treated unequally under federal law. I support equal treatment for Puerto Rico because I oppose second-class citizenship.”
“Ultimately, I believe Puerto Rico should discard its territory status and become a state or a sovereign nation. The choice lies with the people of Puerto Rico. My personal hope is that they will choose statehood, so they have full voting rights and full equality.”
“Puerto Ricans have earned the right to become first-class citizens of the nation they have served with honor.”
Congresswoman Murphy immigrated to the United States when she was one year old. Her family fled communist Vietnam by boat and were rescued by the U.S. Navy at sea. She is the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to Congress.
Watch Congresswoman Murphy’s speech here.
The text of the speech appears below:
US Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy
Floor Statement as Prepared for Delivery
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of US Citizenship for the People of Puerto Rico
March 2, 2017
Mr. Speaker:
A century ago today, a federal law granted US citizenship to individuals born in Puerto Rico.
Island residents have made countless contributions to this country in times of peace and war, serving with exceptional value in our armed forces.
The bonds between Puerto Rico and Florida are unbreakable. The state is home to over one million Puerto Ricans, with most living in central Florida.
Puerto Rico is going through difficult times, and I am determined to help the island get back on its feet.
The main reason Puerto Rico is struggling is because, as a territory, it is treated unequally under federal law.
I support equal treatment for Puerto Rico because I oppose second-class citizenship.
Ultimately, I believe Puerto Rico should discard its territory status and become a sovereign nation state.
The choice lies with the people of Puerto Rico.
My personal hope is that they will choose statehood, so they have full voting rights and full equality.
Puerto Ricans have earned the right to become first-class citizens of the nation they have served with honor.
Another nail in the coffin of the former Commonwealth party now pushing for independence in Free Association without calling it that!