H.R. 727 is forceful and ambitious, because the days of half-steps and half-measures on this issue are over.

We want to make sure that whatever the people vote on is something real, something possible.

Colonialism is the problem, not the solution.

The real question before Congress is therefore what will you do to bring about a resolution to Puerto Rico's undemocratic political subordination?

So, why am I proposing an up-or-down vote on the admission of Puerto Rico as a state? Simple. In 2012, a majority of the people of Puerto Rico, 54 percent, rejected the current status.

we are hopeful that the court will uphold the legality of the Recovery Act as a means of addressing Puerto Rico's fiscal crisis.

If Congress takes no action and the colonialist PPD prevails in Puerto Rico's 2016 election, the undemocratic bankrupt territory of extreme dependency will continue to breed support for statehood.

I want only for Puerto Rico to be treated equally.

In 2012, the government of Puerto Rico sponsored a referendum in which a majority of voters rejected Puerto Rico's current territory status.

When I am in a position to utilize this funding, I will do so without hesitation.

This approach has broad support in Congress.