Bill introduced to place Roberto Clemente statue in US Capitol

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón highlighted on Monday the introduction of a bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to authorize the permanent placement of a statue of Roberto Clemente in the United States Capitol.

“I thank my friend, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, for reintroducing the legislation I was proud to draft and champion during my time in Congress to honor Roberto Clemente with a statue in the United States Capitol,” the governor said in a written statement. “Clemente was a hero and a pioneer whose commitment to serving others and helping those most in need made him a source of inspiration and pride for Puerto Rico and the rest of the United States. This bill would ensure that Clemente’s life and legacy are permanently honored in our nation’s Capitol, and I look forward to working with Congressman Bilirakis to see this initiative through to final passage.” 

The measure, H.R. 10121, was introduced by Bilirakis (R-Fla.); it revives an initiative that González Colón promoted as resident commissioner under bill number H.R. 4065.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.)  and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), as well as Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera.

If passed, the legislation would authorize the creation of a statue of Clemente for permanent display in the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his athletic career, humanitarian work and advocacy for equality.

Bilirakis stated that the introduction of the bill aims to recognize both the baseball player’s contributions to the sport and his service to others. The congressman announced the measure to coincide with Clemente’s birthday. Clemente posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1973 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003. Major League Baseball also annually presents an award bearing his name to the player who distinguishes himself through his character, community service, and contributions both on and off the field.