I commend you on your demeanor and responsiveness at this hearing up to now.

the current state of affairs on Culebra is a disaster waiting to happen because the parcel contains popular beaches, pedestrian walkways, and campgrounds

congressional action is needed to address a significant threat to public safety on the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico

I would like your commitment, Madam Secretary, to work on advancing the dialog inside the Department.

This week, the GAO published a report about the fiscal impact of Puerto Rico statehood on the Federal Government. In a 2012 referendum, a majority of voters in Puerto Rico said they didn't want Puerto Rico to remain a territory, and more…

I urge the Department to continue budgeting resources for the national network of LCCs.

I encourage both of you to visit Puerto Rico as soon as possible.

Vieques and Culebra are two island municipalities of Puerto Rico. Each is home to beautiful beaches, to rich animal and plant life, and to warm, welcoming people. For decades, the two islands were used as military training ranges. The U.S…

Yesterday, the junior Senator from Mississippi and the junior Senator from West Virginia spoke on the Senate floor about Puerto Rico's political status. Because Puerto Rico is a territory and not a State, we have no Senators who can…

Over the last several months, the press has been filled with stories about the severe economic problems in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. These economic problems have aggravated social problems like crime, have generated anxiety for…

Monday was Veterans Day, when our Nation pays tribute to those who have served honorably in the Armed Forces. Today, I rise to express my gratitude to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines from Puerto Rico, both those who are living…

Monday marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of Luis Ferre. I rise this morning to pay tribute to this giant of a man whom The New York Times called the ``dominant force in the politics, economy and culture of Puerto Rico'' for much…

I support the en bloc amendment, which includes an amendment I filed. Since 1986, the other U.S. territories have been given partial relief--up to $200,000--from the local cost-sharing requirements for Army Corps projects. The bill…

Congress has unintentionally enabled a minority in Puerto Rico to confuse and frustrate a local decision among Puerto Rico's status options.

Congress must take action.

In the 21st century, in the most democratic nation on earth, this is astonishing.

The Puerto Rican electorate served notice last November that they do not wish to continue being governed in the way and through the institutions and laws that, by their own accord, govern them currently.

Discussion of status is a way to ignore and to keep ignoring the real issue: denial of voting rights, denial of participating in our nation's democratic process and denial of economic equality and opportunities for Hispanic Americans in…