WASHINGTON, DC - Portuguese Consul Ricardo Cortes today informed U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rhode Island State Representative Helio Melo (D-District 64, East Providence) and State Senator Daniel Da Ponte (D-District 14, East Providence, Pawtucket) that its consulate in Providence will remain open. Reed stated, "I am pleased the Portuguese government has decided to keep its Consulate in Providence open. This is terrific news for Rhode Island's Portuguese community. The Providence consulate provides valuable services to thousands of Rhode Islanders. I understand the difficult decision that Portugal faced, and I am glad that it recognized the importance of keeping its representation in our state." "I'm pleased the vital services offered by the Portuguese Consulate in Providence will continue to be available to help Rhode Islanders who need them," Whitehouse said. "I appreciate the great work of Rhode Island's Portuguese leaders and community in making the case to keep the consulate open, further strengthening the strong ties between our Ocean State and the nation of Portugal." Melo stated, "This is great news for the Portuguese American community in the state of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. I am pleased that the important services that have been provided by the Portuguese government will continue." Da Ponte stated, "Without the support of our Congressional delegation, this probably would not have happened. Their work in providing diplomatic discussions with the Portuguese government was crucial to keeping the consulate in our state." Late last year, the Portuguese government had indicated that it would be closing some of its foreign consulates due to financial constraints. In January, Senator Reed sent a letter, along with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), to Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates Sousa requesting that he consider keeping the consulate open and highlighting the invaluable services that it provides to Rhode Island. Melo and Da Ponte lead a rally in support of the consulate later that month.