We are Puerto Ricans first. Second, sovereignty. Sovereignty is the right of the people to choose.

This strong bipartisan support is proof positive that Puerto Rico's status dilemma troubles men and women of conscience all along the political spectrum.

In our democracy, elections have consequences. Last November, the people of Puerto Rico, by historic margins, spoke clearly in favor of self-determination and against those who would obstruct it.

I want to convey my gratitude to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and to Congressmen Dan Burton, Patrick Kennedy, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and Alan Grayson, all of whom have been such strong champions of H.R. 2499.

I want to thank former Chairman Don Young, who has done as much as any member of this body to seek self-determination for the people of Puerto Rico.

I support statehood, because I believe the people of Puerto Rico have earned the right, should they choose to exercise it, to become full and equal citizens of the United States.

the Resident Commissioner in Congress from Puerto Rico

The final Federal budget should include a permanent extension of this deduction in Puerto Rico.

I believe President Obama's submission to Congress represents a sound plan to jump-start the national economy in the short term and to lay a new foundation for growth over the long term.

I respectfully request that the final budget account for these grants to Puerto Rico.

I would ask that the final budget account for a further extension.