|
|
Para ver este documento en español,
oprima aquí.
MEDIA ADVISORY
OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN DAN BURTON
SIXTH DISTRICT, INDIANA
2185 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2276 FAX: (202) 225-0016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: JOHN WILLIAMS, (202) 225-2276
Monday, December 14, 1998
CONGRESSMAN BURTON'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE PUERTO
RICAN STATEHOOD REFERENDUM
Announces Intention to Continue Support for Self-Determination
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Burton issued the following statement
following yesterday's Puerto Rican plebiscite regarding self-determination.
A vote in which over 99% of the American people in Puerto Rico
voted against the current Commonwealth status:
"Since 1898, Puerto Rico has been a territorial possession
of the United States. Since 1917, the Puerto Rican people have
stood united with the mainland as United State's citizens. Puerto
Rican Americans have fought and died in many wars defending the
freedom of American people everywhere, but our American citizens
in Puerto Rico are denied voting representation in the United
States Congress and the right to vote for the President of the
United States. I strongly believe that this second class citizenship
is wrong.
"The current Commonwealth status cannot be maintained.
In 1996, the United States Congress, led by the Republican majority,
approved a phase out of the 936 program for corporations. This
has generated an annual windfall of $3 billion for the United
States Treasury. However, the United States still subsidizes the
current Commonwealth status to the tune of $10 billion annually.
Given that a mere .06% of the United States citizens in Puerto
Rico supported the current status, and given the enormous economic
burden placed on the overtaxed American people, the Congress should,
and more than likely will, re-evaluate the federal subsidy of
the current status.
"This is a long process that will not be completed overnight.
Ultimately, Puerto Ricans will be faced with two choices: independent
status or statehood. As the process continues, I will work diligently
for the freedom and democratic rights of all American citizens,
including those of our American citizens in Puerto Rico."
|
