Self determination is a choice among options that can be implemented not an exercise in wishful thinking.

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.

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

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

I'm not pro-statehood that will make Puerto Rico a Latino ghetto.

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

There is consensus that territory status is the root cause of the economic problems that have persisted in Puerto Rico for at least 4 decades.

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

It should come as no surprise, given our lack of political power, that the federal government often uses that license.

I think that's fairness.

Simply put, statehood, for American citizens, is the American way.

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

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.

No Senator would accept territory status for their constituents. So you must respect that my constituents do not accept it either.

The plebiscite and some presidential and congressional actions since have made important strides towards resolution of the issue.

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

As American citizens we in Puerto Rico are entitled to equal rights, privileges and benefits as well as equal duties and obligations as all other American citizens and as American citizens we are entitled to the right to vote for our…

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