Political Quotes

“on another matter, the island of Puerto Rico continues to face billions of dollars of debt. I don't know the number--$17 billion. We hear all kinds of numbers. Puerto Rico is part of America. We must work together to address the severe economic and fiscal crisis that has gripped our fellow citizens. I was in a meeting yesterday where I was told that on the island of Puerto Rico there is a shortage of suitcases--luggage--because people are leaving and most of them are coming to Florida. They are desperate. Many have said that the dire state of Puerto Rico's economy could become a humanitarian crisis, and that is really true. The time to act is now. I joined Senator Cantwell and all of my Democratic colleagues in calling on the Republican leader to advance legislation that gives Puerto Rico the protection it so desperately needs. We did send a letter to the Republican leader. Any solution that doesn't provide Puerto Rico the ability to restructure debt would be an abject failure. Legislation that empowers Puerto Rico to adjust a significant portion of its debt would not cost the Federal Government a single penny. This is far from a bailout. It would save U.S. taxpayers from the growing cost of inaction. Over 3 million Americans live on the island of Puerto Rico, and they are looking to Congress for help in their time of need. I spoke to the Speaker myself, and he has made a commitment to address the economic emergency in Puerto Rico before the end of March.…”