All Quotes

The solution chosen by voters in Puerto Rico to determine its ultimate political status is clear.

This resolution will send an unequivocal message to the executive and judiciary branches of our government that we repudiate the cultural biases that these cases are based on.

It is not the Insular Cases that deny the residents of the territories voting representation; Articles I and II of the Constitution do.

The Insular Cases as written denies democracy and equality and reflects abhorrent bias.

The Constitution's Territorial Clause gives Congress full power over the governing and fate of the territories and their residents.

I am proud to represent the voices of Puerto Rico in Congress.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman Kaptur and Ranking Member Simpson for hosting these opportunities for members and allowing me the opportunity to testify from Puerto Rico.

Let there be no doubt, the weight of their opinions stems from the Territorial Clause and not from the freely and democratically stated will of the people on the Island.

However, we reject using their authority as a subterfuge to impose their will against a clear, direct, and forceful expression of the people.

We respect them and are aware of all Congressmen and women's authority to file bills that transcend their districts' limits.

Delay and anti-democratic practices create more suffering.

The time for patient study, delay tactics, committees, and task forces is over. Democracy has spoken. Let her live!

Is anyone in your committees wishing to sentence another generation of Puerto Ricans to broken families and certain poverty?

After all, isn't the American Experience about freedom and equality?

Statehood is not just about equality, but it is also about empowerment.

This bill was introduced earlier this year by Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR-AL) and Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-9)

I was just introducing 12 letters for the record, Mr. Chairman.

That means a lot for the people of Puerto Rico knowing that Members of Congress... are participating in this hearing.