"Does the U.S. Constitution require a specific level of majority support for statehood in order to admit a territory as a state?"
"the status of statehood got more votes than any elected official, the Governor, myself, mayors, and state legislators."
"we are answering to that request and that request of statehood and equality, with that stated bill."
"52 percent of the vote was for statehood, which is an absolute majority, and just 47 percent against."
"those margins are not good enough for the people of Puerto Rico to establish their vote for statehood."
"Perhaps most importantly, under this legislation, for the very first time, the world's oldest and greatest democracy would offer equality to citizens who have been unequal to their fellow Americans fo..."
"The only acceptable response to this clear expression of a desire for permanent status as a state of the Union is the enactment of H.R. 1522, the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act."
"When statehood is granted, the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico will have equal rights, equal responsibilities, and full representation in the U.S. Congress."
"I ask you, both on behalf of your fellow Americans in Puerto Rico, and as a clear way to strengthen democracy for all Americans, to respond to the will of the people of Puerto Rico by approving legisl..."
"That bill is truly a slap in the face to Puerto Rican voters!"
"Let me be clear, there is nothing that this other legislation will offer to Puerto Rico that has not already been discussed in 123 years."