There is no excuse for the government of Puerto Rico to have failed to publish audited financial statements for the last 2 fiscal years.

The crisis in Puerto Rico is not new. The 3.5 million U.S. citizens I represent have endured it for many years.

To tackle the crisis, we must act with boldness and vision. If we are faint-hearted, we will fail.

I look forward to the day when Federal policy towards Puerto Rico is consistent and coherent.

This is not a partisan critique; both Republicans and Democrats, acting over the course of many years, are to blame.

Tax reform should seek to foster economic opportunities in the American territories to the same degree and extent that it seeks to promote those opportunities in the states.

I remind you that in Puerto Rico the FMAP we have, it is 55/45.

Fiscal reform is also required. The Puerto Rico government must live within its means and cut spending.

If you lower the minimum wage in Puerto Rico, you will be giving the people of Puerto Rico an additional incentive to leave.

I look forward to the day when my constituents have the exact same rights and responsibilities as your constituents.

My hope and expectation is that Puerto Rico will soon become a full and equal member of the American family.