Political Quotes

“The matters that are being raised in this motion are premature. They are irrelevant, actually, because all that H.R. 2499 does is to consult the people of Puerto Rico on the four available options that they have regarding our status--the current status of the territory, statehood, independence, and free association. The people of Puerto Rico have not yet expressed by a majority that they want to join the Union as a State. I hope that it comes about, and when it comes about, Puerto Rico will comply with the Second Amendment in the same way that all the other States must comply with the Second Amendment. The same goes for the English language. That shouldn't be an issue. It shouldn't be an issue now in Puerto Rico, and it will not be an issue, if the time comes, when we become a State. Puerto Rico now has two official languages--English and Spanish. Ninety percent of our parents want their children to be fluent in English. We are proud of having English as a language, and we want to improve it. In fact, I have two bills pending before this Congress for that very purpose. So both issues are being unfairly placed--at least that is what the motion seeks--in the ballot that the people of Puerto Rico will be having in front of them. What the motion seeks is to somehow tell the people of Puerto Rico, You can have statehood, but just English only and only if you comply with the Second Amendment. I oppose this motion because it is untimely, and it is premature.”