U.S. Rep. calls Puerto Ricans “foreigners”

U.S. congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (image) is under some controversy after she referred to Puerto Ricans as “foreign citizens.” The Floridian legislator made the remark in a press release protesting the tax breaks given to the commonwealth as part of President Bush's economic stimulus package.

Brown-Waite’s claim has upset Puerto Ricans and even led to a resolution from the Puerto Rico House of Representatives demanding that she apologize. So far she has remained defiant though a spokesman admitted that her statement made a poor choice of words:

Charlie Keller, Brown-Waite's spokesman, acknowledged that a press release sent last week used the wrong word when it called Puerto Ricans "foreign citizens" but said Monday that Brown-Waite does not intend to apologize.

"The clarification I issued about the word choice was appropriate and plenty enough," Keller said.

For the record, Puerto Ricans do pay Social Security, Medicaid and other payroll taxes despite not paying federal income taxes. Also, despite Brown-Waite’s misgivings over tax breaks she “reluctantly” voted in favor of the economic stimulus package.

Sources- Orlando Sentinel, St. Petersburg Times, Hernando Today

Image- Orlando Sentinel