All Quotes

The territory's status is the central issue of the islands, which have a population of nearly 3.7 million.

What the pro-statehood party is asking you, Chairman and this committee, is to be accomplice of that Democratic crime, crime against democracy.

This is the most Democratic Nation in the world and you cannot ignore that vote. You need to respond to that vote.

What the PDP has been proposing for a long time now is that the relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S. be based on a compact or treaty that cannot be changed by either party, must be changed by mutual agreement.

Puerto Rico cannot resolve its status by maintaining the same undemocratic status that my people have endured since 1898.

To expect the administration to feel the same urgency to produce positive results for Puerto Rico as it does for the states is to substitute hope for experience.

The current status has now lost its Democratic legitimacy to the extent that the people of Puerto Rico ever consented to this status, such consent has been withdrawn.

As a Puerto Rican, as a Hispanic American from Puerto Rico and as an American citizen, I feel outraged at the fact that the CRS report completely sidesteps the issue of discrimination against Hispanic Americans in Puerto Rico.

There should be no dispute in this Senate or in Puerto Rico that in response to the results of the plebiscite, this Senate should proceed to approve an enabling act to admit Puerto Rico to the Union.

It is fundamental: whether Puerto Ricans will continue to be Americans and obtain equality within the country or become the people of a separate nation.

I think that's fairness.

You cannot detract yourself from the process. You have to be engaged.

We, the American citizens of Puerto Rico, cannot impose statehood on you.

I have to protect the right of the pro-independence people to have their option on the ballot.

No, I do not believe that that creates much confusion.

I represent more U.S. citizens--3.6 million--than 42 senators.

Territory status should not be an option because it has failed.

For the first time ever, this is important.