Documental 100 Años del Senado de Puerto Rico

History of the Senate of Puerto Rico

Introduction to the Documentary

• The Senate of Puerto Rico has prepared a documentary to inform Puerto Ricans about its 100 years of history, highlighting contributions from notable individuals.

• This initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire hope for future progress among the people of Puerto Rico.

Historical Context (1898 - 1900)

• Significant changes occurred in Puerto Rico between 1898 and 1900, marked by the official transfer of sovereignty from Spain to the United States through the Treaty of Paris.

• Following this change, civil rights and political status for residents were determined by the U.S. Congress, leading to a new political landscape on the island.

Establishment of Legislative Bodies

• In 1900, under the Foraker Act, a Delegates Chamber was established led by José de Diego, consisting of 39 members representing various districts.

• Despite being elected directly by citizens, this body had limited legislative power due to oversight from executive council interests.

Creation of the Senate (1917)

• The Jones Act passed in 1917 granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans and established the Senate as a significant milestone in modern governance on the island.

• The first session was held on August 14, 1917, presided over by Judge José Conrado Hernández at what is now known as the Department of State building in Old San Juan.

Composition and Leadership

• The inaugural Senate comprised 19 senators from three political parties: Unionist Party (Antonio Barceló), Republican Party (José Celso Barbosa), and Socialist Party (Santiago Iglesias Pantín).

• Senators were elected based on district representation with additional members chosen through accumulation; Antonio Barceló became president while Eduardo Giorgetti served as vice president.

Key Legislative Initiatives

• Notable legislation introduced during Barceló's presidency included workers' compensation laws and initiatives promoting cooperativism and women's suffrage efforts in Puerto Rico.

• Although an early proposal for women's voting rights failed in 1923, it eventually succeeded with support from other legislators like García Méndez in 1929.

Subsequent Leadership Changes

• Luis Sánchez Morales succeeded Barceló as president after his resignation; he represented San Juan's district under the Puerto Rican Alliance Party since its inception in 1899.

• Under Sánchez Morales’ leadership, significant resolutions included requests for restoring Puerto Rico’s original name and establishing tourism committees funded for promotional activities within the U.S..

Puerto Rican Political History and Key Figures

Early Ventures and Legal Career

• The subject engaged in various businesses in Barcelona, including bullfighting, theater, coffee importing, and meat supply. Upon returning to Puerto Rico, he completed his law studies and became a renowned criminal lawyer.

Political Ascendancy in the 1920s

• In 1920, he was elected senator for the Ponce district during a significant economic crisis due to the Great Depression. He championed several legislative projects aimed at worker compensation and sports regulation.

• A pivotal achievement was the extension of voting rights to Puerto Rican women, promoting gender parity in political participation. This change led to influential figures like Doña Josefina Barceló de Romero emerging in politics.

Luis Muñoz Marín's Leadership

• Luis Muñoz Marín became the fourth president of the Senate of Puerto Rico after studying at Georgetown Preparatory School. Although he did not complete his law degree, he transitioned into journalism.

• In 1932, Muñoz Marín was elected senator for San Juan but later faced internal party conflicts that led him to help form the Popular Democratic Party (PPD).

• He served as president of the Senate until 1948 when he became the first Puerto Rican governor elected by direct vote. His administration focused on infrastructure expansion and economic recovery.

Samuel Erre Quiñones' Contributions

• Following Muñoz Marín's tenure, Samuel Erre Quiñones was elected as the fifth president of the Senate. He had previously served as a representative from 1940 to 1943.

• Under Quiñones' leadership, significant governmental entities were established, including agencies for water resources management and transportation oversight.

Rafael Hernández Colón's Governance

• Rafael Hernández Colón succeeded Quiñones as president of the Senate after completing his education at Johns Hopkins University and law school at the University of Puerto Rico.

• Elected governor in 1972 with support from Muñoz Marín, Hernández Colón demonstrated effective governance within a divided government structure while passing numerous important measures.

Legislative Achievements under Juan Cancel Ríos

• Juan Cancel Ríos became president of the Senate after serving as a representative from Manatí-Barceloneta. His presidency lasted until 1976.

• Notable initiatives included addressing urban slums and amending laws related to working mothers’ rights while ensuring equal economic rights for women compared to men.

Puerto Rico's Political History and Legislative Milestones

The Rise of the New Progressive Party

• In a significant electoral victory, Carlos Romero Barceló was elected as governor, marking a high point in participation rates since 1920.

• Luis A. Ferré Aguayo served as the eighth president of the Senate, with a notable political career that included roles as a representative and governor.

• Ferré founded the Luis A. Ferré Foundation, which supported numerous Puerto Rican students in higher education and established the Ponce Museum of Art.

Legislative Achievements Under Miguel Hernández Agosto

• Miguel Hernández Agosto became the ninth president of the Senate, serving from 1976 to 1992, during which he addressed key legislative issues.

• He championed laws against gender discrimination and sexual harassment in employment, reflecting his commitment to social justice.

• Under his leadership, a new urn for Puerto Rico's original constitution documents was inaugurated at the Capitol in 1992.

Environmental Advocacy by Roberto Rexach Benítez

• Roberto Rexach Benítez served as the tenth president of the Senate; he focused on environmental protection and educational quality.

• He initiated a computerized public archive to enhance transparency regarding legislative budgets and senator activities.

• Early in his presidency, he reinstated English as an official language after it had been removed previously.

Charlie Rodríguez's Legislative Initiatives

• Charlie Rodríguez became the eleventh president of the Senate; he began his political career at a young age and held various leadership roles within his party.

• His initiatives included creating legislation against violence on television and supporting funding for Puerto Rican artists through media projects.

Insights into Legislative Processes

• Rodríguez emphasized adherence to regulations for maintaining order within legislative processes during discussions about prison conditions with then Secretary of Corrections.

• During interpellations in the Senate, there were structured questioning sessions led by senators like Antonio Fas Alzamora that highlighted procedural norms.

This markdown file encapsulates key moments from Puerto Rico's political history while providing insights into significant legislative actions taken by various presidents of the Senate. Each bullet point is linked to its respective timestamp for easy reference.

Senate Conduct and Rights of Expression

Maintaining Order in the Senate

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining decorum during Senate sessions, stating that expressions of approval or disapproval are not permitted.

• Despite being from a different political party, the speaker defends a senator's right to express himself, highlighting the need for respect across party lines.

• The speaker reiterates the call for order after repeated disruptions, stressing that all senators should be allowed to speak without interference.

Enforcement of Senate Rules

• After multiple warnings, the speaker requests law enforcement to remove disruptive individuals from the gallery, citing violations of Senate regulations.

• The speaker reflects on their surprise at having to enforce such measures, noting it is unusual for a president from another party to take such actions.

Acknowledgment of Rights and Respect

• The speaker expresses hope that mutual respect will prevail in future interactions between majority and minority parties within the Senate.

Historical Context and Contributions

Legacy of Past Presidents

• Discussion shifts to notable figures in Puerto Rican legislative history, including Don Antonio Fas Alzamora, who served as president of the Senate.

Legislative Achievements

• The speaker highlights efforts made during their presidency to internationalize Puerto Rico’s representation in legislative matters despite facing criticism.

International Engagement

• Significant achievements include establishing connections with various international parliamentary bodies and facilitating exchanges on legislation addressing common issues among nations.

Cultural Impact Initiatives

• Notable events sponsored by the Senate included hosting significant figures like Pope John Paul II and organizing conferences aimed at peace and development.

Economic Contributions through Events

• The impact of cultural events like Miss Universe is noted as beneficial for tourism and economic growth in Puerto Rico.

Legislative Milestones and Political Leadership in Puerto Rico

Key Legislative Achievements

• The commemoration of the birthdays of Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances and Don Luis Muñoz Marín is highlighted, along with significant laws such as those granting public funds and sports autonomy to the Olympic Committee.

• Other notable legislation includes the establishment of a national parks system, the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, and laws prohibiting certain agency heads from participating in partisan political acts.

• Kenneth McClintock Hernández's background is introduced; he was born on January 19, 1957, in London and served as the 13th President of the Senate after a notable 12-year tenure in various legislative roles.

Political Activism and Contributions

• McClintock began his political activism at age 13, being appointed by President Nixon to a youth conference. By age 21, he was involved with national juvenile justice advisory committees under President Carter.

• He authored several key projects including telecommunications reform laws and created the Congressional Internships Program (Córdova y Fernós), which has sent over 650 Puerto Rican students to work in U.S. Congress offices.

Impactful Legislative Efforts

• The Córdova program continues to thrive across party lines, producing over 800 alumni who have taken significant roles within government sectors.

• Notable alumni include judges and attorneys general who have contributed positively to Puerto Rico’s governance.

Telecommunications Reform

• McClintock's efforts led to opening up competition in Puerto Rico's telecommunications sector, transforming it from one of the most expensive jurisdictions for phone calls to one of the most affordable.

Leadership Challenges

• Thomas Rivera Schatz became the 14th President of the Senate during challenging economic times that required immediate legislative action for fiscal stability.

• Rivera Schatz demonstrated mediation skills amidst social tensions by facilitating agreements between public sector unions and agency leaders while also collaborating with private sector businesses for mutual understanding.

Community Engagement Initiatives

• Upon taking office, Rivera Schatz prioritized addressing fiscal challenges through prompt legislation aimed at maintaining government operations for citizens' benefit.

• He initiated moving Senate sessions outside traditional venues into communities like Ponce to enhance public engagement on critical issues affecting daily life such as health care, education, security, economic development, and housing.

Senate Reforms and Community Engagement in Puerto Rico

Legislative Changes and Regional Offices

• The Senate faced challenges when the governor's proposals were not approved by the legislature, leading to a focus on fiscal, economic, and social issues. This resulted in moving operations to various regions like Ponce and Mayagüez for better accessibility.

• Several regional offices were established across the island to allow citizens to access services locally rather than traveling far, enhancing community engagement with government initiatives.

Technological Advancements in Governance

• The introduction of electronic voting marked a significant shift in Senate operations, reducing paper usage and streamlining legislative processes. This modernization aimed at improving efficiency within the Senate.

• A new online portal was created for public access to information regarding budgets, senator offices, public hearings, and historical data about Puerto Rico’s Senate activities, promoting transparency.

Productive Legislative Sessions

• During 2009-2012, the Senate was notably productive with 31 senators participating actively; it facilitated legislation from both majority and minority parties while fostering dialogue with unions for solutions on pressing issues.

• The Senate served as a platform for discussions beyond mere law approval; it engaged in addressing critical matters affecting Puerto Ricans' lives directly through outreach efforts.

Social Initiatives and Leadership Changes

• Key initiatives included scholarships for university students and infrastructure projects aimed at improving healthcare services in western Puerto Rico as part of social justice efforts.

• In January 2013, Eduardo Bhatia Gaudier became president of the Senate; he emphasized making the institution more accessible while advocating for education reforms to combat poverty effectively. His leadership focused on inclusivity within governance.

Challenges Faced by New Leadership

• Thomas Rivera Schatz became the first president elected twice non-consecutively amid significant economic challenges facing Puerto Rico; his leadership style emphasized honesty and responsiveness during this critical period of history.

• The selection of an independent senator marked a historic moment that allowed diverse voices within governance while addressing urgent socio-economic needs through collaborative efforts among legislators.

Commitment to Public Service

• Emphasizing that government should serve as a beacon of hope for citizens, there is a strong commitment towards ensuring access to quality education, healthcare services, and employment opportunities for all residents of Puerto Rico amidst ongoing challenges.

Fostering Business and Community in Puerto Rico

Commitment to Local Prosperity

• The speaker emphasizes the goal of fostering a thriving business environment on the island, aiming for residents to find happiness and opportunities locally rather than seeking them elsewhere.

• Collaboration with various sectors in Puerto Rico is highlighted as essential for achieving this objective, showcasing a united front among different political parties.

Legislative Representation

• José Luis Dalmau Santiago, an alternate spokesperson for the Popular Democratic Party, leads the Veterans Affairs Committee, while independent senator José Vargas Vidot heads the Community Development Committee.

• María M. Pérez Almirotic made history as the first woman elected to the Senate in 1936, representing significant progress in women's legislative representation over time.

Evolution of Women's Representation

• In the 2009-2012 Senate term, there were 11 seats occupied by women; they were elected through both accumulation and district representation.

• The current Senate comprises 30 senators from three political parties and one independent senator, reflecting a century-long struggle for improved governance.

Legacy of Governance

• The speaker describes the Puerto Rican Senate as a guardian of dreams and aspirations, emphasizing its role in upholding democratic values for all citizens.

• A call for unity is made regarding historical narratives; it stresses that collective efforts are necessary to honor past commitments to democracy and representation.

Challenges and Aspirations

• The journey towards effective governance has been challenging but marked by hard work and diverse opinions aimed at enhancing community life.

• Leaders are viewed as reflections of hope for a promising future, reinforcing their responsibility to embody lawfulness and order within government structures.