We are here today for the second day of hearings on legislation I am considering to make amendments to PROMESA--the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act.

Many of you heard me say that when Congress drafted and passed PROMESA, Democrats would have written a different law if we were in the Majority.

The approval of the amendment proposed by Congressman Grijalva is critical for the sustainability of the University of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is right now the quintessential 'canary in the mine,' not only because of its island condition and geographical location in the path of possible more frequent and stronger extreme weather events, but also because its current…

the Puerto Rico Financial Oversight and Management Board has effectively become a supra-political entity governing the people of Puerto Rico in a naked colonial mode.

It is unbelievable that in the 21st century the United States of America rather than expanding full democratic rights to all of its citizens has chosen to curtail them.

The only real and permanent solution to the fiscal problems of Puerto Rico before this Committee today is statehood.

PROMESA has failed on its purpose and threatened the economic stability of everyone on the island.

Only through statehood will we be able to acquire the necessary tools to grow our economy and ensure our island's 3.2 million Americans are being treated equally.

This amendment will also protect Puerto Rico's public education and allow economic growth and social development.

We are already seeing delays in disaster relief funding and have reason to question the duration of the `boost' these funds are bringing to the economy.