Rep. Murphy Speech on Puerto Rico's Political Status

 

TRANSCRIPT: Mr. Speaker: Ten days ago, Puerto Rico held a vote on its future political status. Although the ballot was not pre-approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, as envisioned by a 2014 federal law, the ballot was fair. It included Puerto Rico’s three valid options—statehood, nationhood, and the current territory status. Each option was accurately described. In our democracy, only those who cast ballots are counted. And those who voted in Puerto Rico overwhelmingly chose statehood. It is now up to Puerto Rico’s elected officials, especially its governor and delegate in Congress, to determine how best to move forward. They can count on my full support. As I see it, in the wake of this vote, the question is not whether—but rather when—Puerto Rico will become a state. After 119 years, it is well past time for the U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico to have the same rights and responsibilities as their fellow citizens living in Florida and every other state. Puerto Rico has made countless contributions to this nation for generations. It has earned its own star on the American flag.