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Rep. Soto Introduces Post Office Bill Honoring Borinqueneers

October 13, 2017

H.R. 4042 is co-sponsored by entire Florida delegation

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Darren Soto introduced legislation today honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, by designating a United States Postal Service facility in Kissimmee, Florida as the "Borinqueneers Post Office Building". The bill is co-sponsored by Florida's entire congressional delegation.

"With the occasion of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, the entire Florida delegation is proud to recognize the service and devotion of the Borinqueneers to the United States. Florida is home to many veterans of the only segregated Latino military unit in U.S. history. The Borinqueneers' legacy and exemplary heroism will forever be remembered in Central Florida, inspiring our young Hispanic community," stated Rep. Darren Soto.

H.R. 4042 requires any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility located at 1415 West Oak Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, to be referred to as the "Borinqueneers Post Office Building".

In 1908, Congress incorporated the newly created Puerto Rico Regiment of Infantry into the regular Army. Later, the Regiment was renamed the 65th Infantry. For valor in service, ten Distinguished Service Crosses, 256 Silver Stars, 606 Bronze Stars, 2771 Purple Hearts were awarded to the men of the 65th Infantry for their bravery and heroism throughout World War II.

In 2014, the Borinqueneers received the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their extraordinary service to the nation throughout multiple wars, including the Korean War and World War II. They join the Navajo Wind Talkers, the Nisei Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Montford Point Marines in the list of honorees.

The bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Soto is co-sponsored by the entire Florida delegation which includes 27 U.S. Representatives: Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Ron DeSantis (R-FL),Ted Deutch (D-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson (D-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Bill Posey (R-FL), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Thomas Rooney (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Dennis Ross (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), and Ted Yoho (R-FL).