Political Quotes

“Over the last several months, the press has been filled with stories about the severe economic problems in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. These economic problems have aggravated social problems like crime, have generated anxiety for individuals and institutions that have invested in Puerto Rico's bonds, and have caused island residents to relocate to the 50 States in unprecedented numbers. The statistics are staggering. In recent years, Puerto Rico's population has fallen by more than 4 percent, while the number of Puerto Ricans living in the States has increased by over 45 percent. As Puerto Rico's representative in Congress, it pains me to read media accounts of the island's troubles, especially because I know that my constituents are just as capable and industrious as their fellow citizens in any other jurisdiction. Puerto Rico has enormous potential, but the reality is that this potential is not being fulfilled. Although the island's problems have certainly grown worse in recent months, it is critical for policymakers and the American public to understand that these problems are not of recent vintage. To the contrary, for at least four decades, Puerto Rico's economic performance--and by extension, quality of life on the island--has been far worse than any State, according to every indicator, including unemployment, average household income, and the ratio of government debt to economic production.…”