Floor Statement in Response to Remarks of Congressman Luis Gutierrez Regarding Puerto Rico

Mr./Madame Speaker:

I rise to address the chamber this morning with disappointment, sadness, and a deep resolve to set the record straight. I am compelled to respond to remarks delivered yesterday on this floor by my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois, in which he harshly criticized the duly-elected government of Puerto Rico, the officers who serve honorably in its police force, and the chief judge of the U.S. district court for the District of Puerto Rico. The speech was inappropriate and insulting to the people of Puerto Rico. I hope such action will not be repeated. But if it is, make no mistake: I will return to this floor again to defend my constituents—and the government they chose in free and fair elections—from all unwarranted attacks. I will rise then in the same capacity that I rise now: as Puerto Rico’s only elected representative in Congress and the only member of this chamber who can make any claim to speak on behalf of the Island’s nearly four million American citizens. I will fight for my people because it is my privilege, my honor, and my duty to do so.

To compare Puerto Rico to an authoritarian country is beyond the pale. It demeans not merely my constituents, but also the millions of men and women around the world who suffer under real dictatorships, who are truly oppressed, and who lack the dignity that comes only with genuine freedom. Puerto Rico is a rich and vibrant democracy, with strong institutions, governed by the rule of law. Fundamental rights protected by the U.S. Constitution—including the right to free speech, free assembly and due process of law—apply fully in Puerto Rico. So does federal civil rights law. This is not to suggest that violations of individual liberties never take place in Puerto Rico. On occasion they may, just as they do in every jurisdiction. And I would be the first person to condemn such conduct if it occurs. But, in Puerto Rico, unlike in a dictatorship, there are legal remedies available to citizens who claim to have been deprived of their rights. Those who fail to grasp this basic distinction do not understand Puerto Rico or appreciate its strengths.

Moreover, I believe it is wrong for a member of this body to insult a federal judge simply because that judge ruled in a way the member finds objectionable. To use an enlarged photo of that judge as a prop is, in my view, particularly unfortunate. Such theatrics undermine, rather than strengthen, the argument being made. Judge Fusté, a man who has devoted over 25 years of his life to public service, does not deserve such treatment.

Yesterday, a great disservice was done to the good name and reputation of the people of Puerto Rico. I regret that it occurred. I hope—and expect—that it will not happen again.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Pierluisi es elegido al Comité de Etica

La portavoz de la minoría lo recomendó y el pleno de la Cámara baja aprobó el nombramiento

WASHINGTON – Por recomendación del liderazgo demócrata, la Cámara baja federal aprobó el nombramiento del comisionado residente Pedro Pierluisi como miembro del Comité de Etica.
En esa comisión sólo hay cinco republicanos y cinco demócratas.

“El nombramiento del congresista Pierluisi es un reflejo del respeto que se ha ganado por su duro trabajo, sólido carácter y dedicación a la honestidad, dignidad y el estado de derecho”, indicó la portavoz de la minoría demócrata, Nancy Pelosi.

Pierluisi es el primer comisionado residente o delegado de territorio que es miembro de ese exclusiva comisión legislativa que regula la conducta de los miembros y funcionarios de la Cámara de Representantes federal.

Congressman Pierluisi appointed as DCCC National Chair of Community Mobilization

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is the official campaign arm of the Democrats in the House of Representatives.

The DCCC National Chairs, formerly called Vice Chairs, will work closely with DCCC Chairman Israel, House Leadership, and the Caucus on planning and executing the strategies that will make the Republican Majority the shortest in history.

“Representatives Joe Crowley, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Allyson Schwartz, Keith Ellison, and Pedro Pierluisi have the perfect combination of battle-tested experience, political know-how and leadership savvy to make this the shortest Republican majority in history,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel. “I’m thrilled they will be working with us this cycle to ensure our Members and candidates have the tools they need to win.”

DCCC recruiting for the 2011-2012 cycle is off to a fast and aggressive start: Chairman Israel has already begun recruiting calls and meeting with potential candidates. The National Chairs will join the Recruiting Committee’s first meeting this Thursday.


Pedro Pierluisi, National Chair of Community Mobilization.

Pedro Pierluisi, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, will serve as National Chair of Community Mobilization. Pierluisi is responsible for ensuring key Democratic constituencies are organized, energized, and well-equipped to join our aggressive voter contact effort.

“Voter contact is critical to the DCCC’s effort to win the House. Congressman Pierluisi is a leader who will organize, inspire, and motivate voters, ensuring more voices join the political process this cycle,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel. “I’m pleased that Pedro is joining our DCCC team.”

Congressman Pierluisi said,

"Democrats can count on me to make an all-out effort to energize voters around the country so that we can reclaim the majority in 2012. Using all available means, I intend to mobilize the millions of Americans who share our Party's goal of creating a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation. I am confident we will prevail."