CHICAGO – During an argument that broke out on the Congressional House floor on Thursday, Congressman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) yelled, “go back to Puerto Rico,” while Congressman Tony Cárdenas, a descendant of Mexican immigrants, was presiding over the chamber.

Congressman Cárdenas recently led a delegation to meet with Puerto Rican officials and bring awareness to the amount of help still needed for the island to recover from Hurricane Maria.

Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino reacted to the incident with the following statement:

“I commend Congressman Cárdenas for his work in bringing awareness to the needs of Puerto Rico at a time where they are being ignored by the Trump administration for a $5 billion wall to be built under the guise of public safety. He is being attacked for doing the people’s work and reminding people that Puerto Ricans are citizens and Congress has a responsibility to take care of all Americans.

“Many parts of Puerto Rico are still without running water and electricity, and their public safety is just as important as Congressman Smith’s constituents.

“I call on House GOP lawmakers to abandon their mission to defund FEMA when thousands of Americans are still in desperate need of help.”

CHICAGO- A plan approved after the killing of Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer and the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida that holds corrupt gun dealers accountable and curbs illegal gun trafficking became law today.

Senate Bill 337 creates a certification process for firearm dealers through the Illinois State Police, and allows for more information on gun crimes to be made public. Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement on the new law:

“We know that a high number of gun crimes are committed with illegally-owned firearms, and it’s not enough to keep sending our condolences to those affected by gun violence. This law brings us closer to answering the calls to action of parents, advocates and survivors across the state.

“I’m glad that Governor Pritzker chose to take rapid action on this important piece of legislation, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to continue bringing forward much needed reforms like the one he signed today.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate began a new session today with the inauguration of the 101st General Assembly.

State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) is ready to continue working on measures that protect seniors, support education and expand healthcare access.

Aquino was recently chosen as Senate Co-Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus and is looking forward to taking on the new role.

“While Illinois and the nation saw a blue wave this past election, we can’t rest on our laurels moving forward,” Aquino said. “We need to continue pushing progressive ideals that will move our state forward in this new General Assembly with a new administration.”

Aquino was first elected to the Senate in 2016 and represents the 2nd District in Chicago’s Northwest Side.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) joined members of the Senate in overriding Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of legislation that helps human trafficking and crime victims obtain visa certification paperwork from law enforcement within 90 business days. Aquino released the following statement after the vote:

“Victims of human trafficking and other severe crimes need our support as they help capture from those committing crimes against them and escape terrible situations. This legislation creates a process that ensures they have the documentation necessary to request a visa and encourages them to work with law enforcement. I encourage my colleagues in the House to approve this measure.”