Photos: Facebook\YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons
Washington D.C. (Mar. 12, 2024) – Tuesday, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) delivered a speech on the House floor in solidarity with the Puerto Rican people. She urged Congress to end Act 22 and uphold the Puerto Rican people’s right to self-determination. Watch HERE or read her full remarks, as prepared for delivery, below.
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
“St. Louis and I rise today in solidarity with the Puerto Rican people.
“Puerto Rico has long been harmed by its status as a U.S. territory. One example of this is what’s known as Act 22.
“This policy allows people who move to Puerto Rico to not pay local taxes on their dividends, capital gains, and certain investments. Unsurprisingly, the wealthy have benefited from this policy, while the Puerto Rican people are left to deal with its harms.
“Because of Act 22, Puerto Rico stands to lose an estimated $4.5 billion in tax revenues between 2020 and 2026, and we’re already seeing skyrocketing rents and increased displacement of the Puerto Rican people.
“This must end. Congress must close the Act 22 tax loophole, end the injustice of colonialism and enact self-determination legislation for the Puerto Rican people.
“I stand with the Puerto Rican community in St. Louis, in Puerto Rico, and around the country.
“Thank you and I yield back.”
Congresswoman Cori Bush sits on the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees, serves as the Ranking Member of Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, and proudly represents St. Louis as a politivist in the halls of the United States Congress.
