Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act
Floor Speech
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Mrs. GONZALEZ-COLON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding the time, Chairman McHenry for allowing this bill, and, of course, my great friend from New York, Congressman Espaillat, for introducing H.R. 6751 with me. It has been hard work getting this bill to the floor with 296 cosponsors. I think that is a number we should remember. The legacy of Roberto Clemente is so big that 296 Members of Congress cosponsored this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand here as Puerto Rico's sole representative in Congress to honor one of the greatest, Roberto Clemente. I co-introduced H.R. 6751, the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act, with my friend and colleague, Congressman Espaillat. It is important to know that in 1958, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and then went to Active Duty. Many people are not aware of the legacy of Roberto Clemente defending our Nation.
This bill would require the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in recognition of the life and legacy of the baseball legend from Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente Walker. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Roberto Clemente Foundation, which offers a variety of community education, sport, and other programs.
Roberto Clemente, the first-ever Latino to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, was an exemplary figure in all aspects of his life, not just sports. A superstar with assured fame, he never stopped caring and working for those less fortunate.
On the playing field, he was among the pioneers who, even in the face of persistent discrimination, knew how to prove himself and silence critics. He reached championships in two World Series, including in 1971, when he was named the Most Valuable Player. Clemente won 12 Gold Gloves and 4 batting titles, was a 12-time member of the all-star team, and is one of the 33 players in the history of Major League Baseball to be part of the exclusive 3,000 hit club.
During the off-season, he remained engaged with supporting communities in Puerto Rico and in neighboring countries in the Caribbean, using sports as a vehicle to motivate communities and provide opportunities for development to disadvantaged families.
On December 31, 1972, Clemente boarded a flight to Nicaragua to lead relief efforts following an earthquake in that country. Tragically, the flight faulted during takeoff, resulting in a crash that claimed the lives of all on board.
This loss is still felt today. Many of us continue advocating for Major League Baseball to permanently retire the number 21 across the leagues to honor Clemente's legacy.
Also, although the Capitol's Statuary Hall does not currently have statues of heroes from the U.S. territories, if it did, surely Clemente would be the first to be installed for Puerto Rico.
For that reason, I filed H.R. 4065 to specially provide for such recognition to Clemente as I believe his statue must be among those of great Americans in these Halls. I expect that we will approve that bill sometime as well.
Today, we recognize Clemente by supporting this commemorative coin.
Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Congressman Espaillat for working together with me for many months to get and hit the 296 number. I appreciate all the support from Members of this House to honor Roberto Clemente, which is big for Puerto Rico and, of course, for the Nation.
``I have to say it in Spanish. Roberto Clemente was and is one of the superstars that served Puerto Rico''; ``Lo tengo que decir en Espanol. Roberto Clemente fue y es una de las super estrellas que sirvio a Puerto Rico.''
Mr. Speaker, I feel proud to serve as a Member of Congress. In January, I am going to be serving as Governor of Puerto Rico, so for me, this is a double honor to make this happen. Congressman Espaillat and I expect that the Senate can do something about it.
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