US Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., This morning spoke on the floor of the US House of Representatives expressing support for Puerto Rican statehood so American citizens living in Puerto Rico can have full voting rights and equal treatment under all federal laws. Murphy highlighted her support on the 100 th anniversary of the Jones-Shafroth Act - the law that granted US citizenship to individuals born in Puerto Rico.
Watch the Congresswoman's floor speech:
The text of the speech appears below in both English and Spanish:
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 state or a sovereign nation.
The choice lies with the people of Puerto Rico.
My personal hope is that they will choose statehood, if 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.
Congressman Stephanie Murphy
Message to the House of Representatives
Celebrating the centennial of American citizenship in Puerto Rico
March 2, 2017
Mr. president:
Today, a century ago, a federal law extended American citizenship to all individuals born in Puerto Rico.
Since then, residents of the island have made numerous contributions to this nation in times of war and peace.
Men and women of Puerto Rico have served with bravery in our armed forces, earning nine Medals of Honor.
Recently, the Sixty-fifth Infantry Regiment-a unit composed mostly of Puerto Ricans-received the Congressional Gold Medal for its exceptional performance in combat and for overcoming the discrimination that existed during the Korean War.
The links between Puerto Rico and Florida are very strong. My state is home to more than a million Puerto Ricans, and most live in central Florida.
Unfortunately, Puerto Rico is going through very difficult times, both economic and social, and I am determined to do my part so that the island recovers.
The main reason why Puerto Rico is experiencing difficulties is that, being a territory and not a state, the island is treated unequally in many of our federal laws.
I support that Puerto Rico be treated equally in all laws because there should not be a second class citizenship in this nation.
Finally, Puerto Rico must overcome its territorial status and become a sovereign state or nation. That determination, of course, is in the hands of the people of Puerto Rico.
My hope is that Puerto Rico will choose statehood, which would give them the right to vote and equality under the law. Puerto Ricans have earned the right to be first class citizens of the country for which they have sacrificed so much.
