WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer on Tuesday, May 20, announced that his legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the segregated Latino unit known as “Borinqueneers” has reached the 67 cosponsors required to bring the bill to the Senate floor, and urged his colleagues to swiftly consider and pass the bill. The “Borinqueneers” was the last Latino segregated unit of the U.S. Army. The unit played a role during three wars: World War I, World War II and the Korean War and overcame many hardships, including segregation and discrimination to perform bravely and honorably in service to the United States. The legislation has been introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Schumer is a lead co-sponsor. Schumer explained that now that 67 members have signed on to the bill, it can be brought up for a vote on the Senate floor.
“Today’s news means the Borinqueeners are one step closer to receiving just recognition for their bravery and sacrifice on behalf of our country. Now that sixty-seven members of the Senate support our bill, we can bring it to the Senate floor any time, and I am urging my colleagues to do so quickly,” said Schumer. “Despite being placed in a segregated Latino unit, the Borinqueneers fought for the U.S., and put their lives on the line for the United States, even when the U.S. did not see them as fully equal. At long last, they deserve to be recognized for their bravery, their patriotism and their faith in America’s values and way of life.”
This week, Senator Merkley (D-OR) became the 67th Senator to cosponsor the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Act (S.1174), which is the threshold to bring such a bill to the Senate floor. The bill passed the House of Representatives earlier this week, and is awaiting Senate passage before heading to the President’s desk for signature. Schumer is now urging his colleagues to take up the bill and pass it.
The 65th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers” was the largest and longest-standing Hispanic Segregated Unit to play a prominent role in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The brave, all-volunteer, unit included tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans. During World War II, the infantry included more than 60,000 Puerto Ricans, and during the Korean War, more than 40,000 Puerto Ricans. More than 700 men died in combat, and more than 3,000 men returned home wounded from the Korean War. The men of the 65th Infantry Regiment constantly demonstrated noble acts of selflessness, patriotism, and courage. These brave soldiers fought hard for the US Army, despite discrimination and segregation, as well as other serious injustices. Throughout the course of the three wars, individual unit members of the 65th Infantry Regiment earned 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, 258 Silver Stars, 628 Bronze Stars, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts.
Schumer noted that a Congressional Gold Medal would serve as the long-overdue recognition the “Borinqueneers” deserve, and would be an important reminder of the significant contributions of Puerto Rican Americans in our armed services. Many Puerto Rican Americans call Upstate New York home, including significant populations in Buffalo, Rochester, Amsterdam, and Dunkirk.
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Preceding provided by Senator Charles Schumere