Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, I would like to take some time this evening to dispel some of the myths that surround this legislation. The Puerto Rico Democracy Act provides for a formal consultation with the people of Puerto Rico regarding the island's political status. H.R. 2499 authorizes the Government of Puerto Rico to conduct an initial plebiscite. Eligible voters would be asked whether they wish to maintain the current political status or to have a different status. If the majority favors the current status, then the Government of Puerto Rico would be authorized to ask voters this question again at 8-year intervals. On the other hand, if a majority of the voters favor a different status, the Government of Puerto Rico would be authorized to conduct a second plebiscite among the three nonterritorial status options recognized under U.S. and international law. What are those three options? They are, number one, independence; two, statehood; and, three, sovereignty in association with the U.S., which is commonly known as free association. Opponents of this bill, of H.R. 2499, contend that the two-step process stacks the deck against the current status and in favor of statehood. This is simply not the case, Madam Speaker. H.R. 2499 does not exclude nor favor any status option.…”