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

Mr. Chairman, I just want to introduce to the record the book of 'The De Facto Incorporated, U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico' of Mr. Gregorio Igartua.

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

I will also submit to the record other further questions.

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

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

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.

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

a Resident Commissioner in Congress from the Territory of Puerto Rico.

We are seriously underfunded as we speak. We do not cover 100 percent of the population falling below the poverty level in Puerto Rico in our Medicaid Program.

we are answering to that request and that request of statehood and equality, with that stated bill.

Democracy will not be denied.

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

Not only that--the bill shamelessly ignores the will of voters in Puerto Rico, ignores a legitimate democratic process, and ignores self-determination, despite the bill's misleading title.

We had not had a majority vote, a clear-cut majority vote in a long time in dealing with the status of Puerto Rico.

As in any democracy, in Puerto Rico the majority rules.

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

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