"The bipartisan H.R. 1522 would constitute Congress's response to our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico and provide a formal offer of statehood."
"Not only that--the bill shamelessly ignores the will of voters in Puerto Rico, ignores a legitimate democratic process, and ignores self-determination, despite the bill's misleading title."
"I am the one elected to represent them, and I am doing so by filing this bill."
"a Resident Commissioner in Congress from the Territory of Puerto Rico."
"Let me be clear. There is nothing that this other bill, or this other legislation, will offer Puerto Rico that has not been already discussed in 123 years. It is nothing new."
"Democracy will not be denied."
"people of the island cherish American citizenship, and that is the reason in the last three plebiscites, statehood has won those plebiscites."
"However, we reject using their authority as a subterfuge to impose their will against a clear, direct, and forceful expression of the people."
"After all, isn't the American Experience about freedom and equality?"
"We respect them and are aware of all Congressmen and women's authority to file bills that transcend their districts' limits."
"Statehood is not just about equality, but it is also about empowerment."