New York State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz Offers Sharp Rebuke to Congressman Anthony Weiner

PRESS RELEASE
May 3, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz Offers Sharp Rebuke to Congressman Anthony Weiner
 
New York State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz (D-Bronx) condemns U.S. Rep Anthony Weiner’s vote to oppose HR 2499, The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010, which will allow the four million citizens of Puerto Rico the opportunity to hold a referendum and decide upon the status of Puerto Rico. 
 
“As the Chair of the New York State Senate Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus, and on behalf of the Members of this Caucus, I congratulate Congressman Jose Serrano (D-Bronx) for voting last week in favor of this resolution,” stated Senator Rev. Díaz.  “I strongly condemn the shameful action of Congressman Anthony Weiner – someone whose expectations always include the support of Puerto Ricans – in his opposition to granting U.S. citizens who live in Puerto Rico, for the first time in 112 years, the right to self-determination and the right to decide if we want to maintain or change the island’s political status through a fair, neutral and democratic process sponsored by the United States Congress.  I am hopeful that Puerto Ricans will not forget Congressman Weiner’s vote when he comes knocking on our doors.”
 
Puerto Rico has remained a U.S. territory for the past 112 years.  As an unincorporated territory, the United States citizens who reside in Puerto Rico cannot vote for United States President, have no representation in the U.S. Senate and are represented in the U.S. House by one non-voting Resident Commissioner.