All Quotes

Statehood is a permanent status. It is a stable status which will be very attractive, in terms of attracting additional investment to the island.

So, why am I proposing an up-or-down vote on the admission of Puerto Rico as a state? Simple. In 2012, a majority of the people of Puerto Rico, 54 percent, rejected the current status.

The real question before Congress is therefore what will you do to bring about a resolution to Puerto Rico's undemocratic political subordination?

Colonialism is the problem, not the solution.

We want to make sure that whatever the people vote on is something real, something possible.

Introduced legislation that would amend the U.S. Bankruptcy Code's definition of 'State' to include Puerto Rico for purposes of Chapter 9.

H.R. 727 is forceful and ambitious, because the days of half-steps and half-measures on this issue are over.

This approach has broad support in Congress.

When I am in a position to utilize this funding, I will do so without hesitation.

In 2012, the government of Puerto Rico sponsored a referendum in which a majority of voters rejected Puerto Rico's current territory status.

I want only for Puerto Rico to be treated equally.

Puerto Rico has always been treated in discriminatory fashion under Federal health programs

Every informed observer understands that territory status is the root cause of the economic, social and demographic crisis in Puerto Rico

The Constitution gives Congress a license to treat Puerto Rico worse than the states under Federal law

My constituents cannot vote for president, are not represented in the Senate, and have one non-voting delegate in the House

Puerto Rico's status is intolerable, and my constituents will no longer tolerate it. We want equality under the American flag, and we will settle for nothing less.

Congress has authorized each state government to permit its insolvent municipalities to adjust their debts under Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code, but has not authorized Puerto Rico to do so.

Territory status is the root cause of the crisis in Puerto Rico, because Puerto Rico is treated unequally under Federal programs.