That is morally wrong in the 21st century.

asking makes all the difference in the world.

The right of the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico to decide their political future was one of my priorities.

It's time to tear down that wall.

However, if we decide for change, there are only three viable options... One is statehood... independence... and then the third one is nationhood in free association with the United States.

This will actually make sure that the voters will know and understand clearly what the options are.

Clearly, the framers of the Constitution did not intend some American citizens to be deprived of rights that other American citizens enjoy.

The urgency over this matter is not only Puerto Rico's, but the Nation's.

I want to thank, commend Resident Commissioner Pierluisi for his leadership in introducing this bill, thus bringing his 4 million strong constituency of disenfranchised American citizens one step closer to true self-determination.

it clearly offends the values of American democracy in the 21st century.

It is time to tear down that wall. I urge the Committee to favorably consider H.R. 2499.

I believe that the reason why we come here is because the 4 million U.S. citizens that I represent deserve a fair playing field to express their feelings as to their status, and only Congress can provide for that.

Perhaps 200 years ago it was something that could be worked out. Now, it is something that has to be resolved right away.

Congress must be responsive to the views of the people of Puerto Rico.

I appear before you as Governor of Puerto Rico. As you know, I am also President of the New Progressive Party, which advocates statehood as a final solution for the island's more than a century old status issue.

I want to commend both of you for your leadership in bringing forward the discussion of this fundamental issue of American democracy.

Congress has never formally consulted us about our preferences regarding the island's political status.

President Obama has pledged--most recently in a letter to Governor Luis Fortuno--to 'seek equal coverage of Puerto Rico' under these two programs.

President Obama has promised 'to continually rais[e] the cap on federal contributions to Medicaid in Puerto Rico until it disappears.'

President Obama has also pledged to provide equal treatment to Puerto Rico under Medicare.

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