Somewhere in there, Puerto Rico lost priority in the Federal realm.

This is a domestic responsibility. You're not talking about a foreign country.

It is my firm belief that these agencies require additional direction and resources from Congress to spur them into action.

If we do that, violence will come down. I guarantee it.

I am also asking the subcommittee to provide an additional $3 million above the President's request to enable the Coral Reef Conservation Program to continue its support for competitive applied research necessary to protect our coral reefs.

We need to do everything we can to seal Puerto Rico on the way in, as well as on the way out.

I would like to submit also that there is a very, very important role that government plays when you are talking about the safety.

violent crime is not an abstract problem. To the contrary, it is profoundly, intensely, and undeniably personal.

I believe that the most solemn duty of our government, whether it be Federal, state or local, is to safeguard its citizens.

I was attorney general of Puerto Rico at the time, and I lobbied hard for this law.

I have physical evidence of the rising ocean levels.