Jenniffer González-Colón

Mr. Chairman, I just want to introduce to the record the book of 'The De Facto Incorporated, U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico' of Mr. Gregorio Igartua.

I agree that Congress should act, and then the Court will follow.

It is crucial that Congress go beyond just renouncing the Insular Cases and use its constitutional power

The solution chosen by voters in Puerto Rico to determine its ultimate political status is clear.

This resolution will send an unequivocal message to the executive and judiciary branches of our government that we repudiate the cultural biases that these cases are based on.

It is not the Insular Cases that deny the residents of the territories voting representation; Articles I and II of the Constitution do.

The Insular Cases as written denies democracy and equality and reflects abhorrent bias.

The Constitution's Territorial Clause gives Congress full power over the governing and fate of the territories and their residents.

I am proud to represent the voices of Puerto Rico in Congress.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman Kaptur and Ranking Member Simpson for hosting these opportunities for members and allowing me the opportunity to testify from Puerto Rico.

Let there be no doubt, the weight of their opinions stems from the Territorial Clause and not from the freely and democratically stated will of the people on the Island.

However, we reject using their authority as a subterfuge to impose their will against a clear, direct, and forceful expression of the people.

We respect them and are aware of all Congressmen and women's authority to file bills that transcend their districts' limits.

After all, isn't the American Experience about freedom and equality?

Statehood is not just about equality, but it is also about empowerment.

This bill was introduced earlier this year by Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR-AL) and Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-9)

I was just introducing 12 letters for the record, Mr. Chairman.

That means a lot for the people of Puerto Rico knowing that Members of Congress... are participating in this hearing.

We are watching. The world is watching to see if our civil rights will continue to be violated and by whom.

Democracy will not be denied.

The status quo is dead and the democratic will of the people of Puerto Rico is undeniable.

There is nowhere to hide anymore, this Congress has the responsibility to act, and act now.

Thank you, Mr. Gosar, for yielding and always in helping Puerto Rico in many of the issues and tasks.

All those people that campaigned and voted against the statehood bill in the yes-or-no questions in November, do they have the right to overcome that majority?

People of the island cherish American citizenship, and that is the reason in the last three plebiscites, statehood has won those plebiscites.