the Act of Admission was filed by Resident Commissioner Jennifer Gonzalez Colon.

Puerto Rico will have the opportunity to be admitted as a State of the Union.

Can we establish how much time?

We must respect Puerto Rico's vote and support H.R. 1522, because statehood will guarantee full and permanent equality for the 3.2 million citizens living on the island.

I think it is offensive that it ignores the November referendum.

I do believe that the analysis of H.R. 1522 was particularly comprehensive and helped dispel some of the myths that are being used against statehood.

the bill was filed on March 2, in commemoration of the 104th anniversary of the granting of U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.

Opponents for statehood as well also claim that all Federal taxes lost will immediately apply to Puerto Rico from becoming a state.

Puerto Rico has, through the ballot box, exercised its right to self-determination, rejected the current territorial status, and voted for statehood.

Are we going to ignore the will of the voters on the island and pretend that we know better than them?

Do you think that voters in the island are capable and knowledgeable enough to understand that status options are available to them and their consequences without having to resort to an assembly of a few selected--where decisions are made…

Gonzalez-Colon, Hon. Jenniffer, a Resident Commissioner in Congress from the Territory of Puerto Rico.

The so-called parity is not equality, and it is not a permanent solution.

To uphold the will of Americans in the last plebiscite, Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR), alongside Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), file H.R. 1522 to provide for the admission of the State of Puerto Rico.

The other bill, H.R. 2070, blatantly ignores the will of the people of Puerto Rico.

I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 2011, known as the WIC Act of 2021, which would expand eligibility and address specific gaps in nutritional assistance for postpartum women and young children.

It has become clear that NAP is one of the first programs my constituents turn to during the aftermath of an emergency or crisis.

NAP is one of the top assistance programs for needy constituents on the Island.

NAP cannot automatically adjust to fluctuations in demand, including those related to emergencies.

I respectfully request you continue working alongside my office as we develop a path towards a viable transition to SNAP.

True relief and proper assistance can only be achieved with a transition to SNAP.

Puerto Rico does not participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, like their counterparts in the states.

The program cannot automatically accommodate sudden increases in demand and, as a result, we have to turn to Congress.

WRD would like to thank the Committee for hosting a hearing on this important issue.

I will also submit to the record other further questions.