Obama Signs Bill Honoring First Puerto-Rican Born US Congressman Herman Badillo Luis Chaluisan

President Barack Obama has signed a bill renaming a Bronx post office in honor of Herman Badillo, the first Puerto Rican-born U.S. congressman. The post office, located in the Morrisania neighborhood of The Bronx, will be formally renamed at a later date, but the renaming effort was pushed by New York's congressional delegation. Rep. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y., was among the original sponsors of the legislation in the House of Representatives, known as H.R. 1350. With support from over a dozen New York congressional lawmakers, including Democratic Reps. Charles Rangel, Eliot Engel, Joseph Crowley and Nydia Velazquez and Republican Reps. Christopher Gibson, Elise Stefanik and Peter King, H.R. 1350 passed in June. The bill would later pass the Senate by unanimous consent in early July. "I am thrilled to see this legislation, so important for the Bronx and all of us who want to see Herman Badillo's life and legacy honored, cleared in the Senate and moving on to the President's desk for his signature," Serrano said in a statement. "Herman Badillo's legacy serves as a proud reminder of the American Dream," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "Badillo came from a Puerto Rican family and he showed us that despite the humble beginning, economic disadvantages and discrimination he faced, he was able to persevere. When we enter the Morrisania Post Office, we will not only remember this incredible man, but we will remember how lucky we are to have so many opportunities in this great city and all across the United States." In a prepared statement, Schumer and Rangel noted Badillo's advocacy ranged from civil rights, equal opportunity, jobs, housing and educational reform. "Herman Badillo was not only my predecessor and a legend in government and civic life, he was my mentor and friend," Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said. "I was proud to have proposed the renaming of the Morrisania Post Office in honor of Herman Badillo's Congressional service, and I am even prouder today that President Obama has seen fit to sign this legislation into law." Badillo passed away in December following complications of congestive heart failure. He was a fixture in The Bronx, where he served as the borough's first Puerto Rican president from 1966 to 1970. Badillo would then serve as the first Puerto Rican congressman in the House of Representatives for New York's 22nd, and later, 21st Congressional District. He was also one of the founding members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.