Pedro Pierluisi

I understand that the snakes that are the subject of H.R. 511 could survive and create breeding populations in the wild.

Puerto Rico recently held a plebiscite on its political status. I want to convey the results to the American public, describe their significance, and outline the next steps I will take. As background, Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory…

On November 6, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico will hold a plebiscite on the island's political future. Voters will be asked if they want to continue the current status or to seek a new status. Voters will also be asked to express their…

Thank you, Ranking Member Scott. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Lamar Smith, for supporting H.R. 1550 and for working with House leadership to schedule the bill for floor…

Let me tell you, what you have seen, you have seen Secretary Napolitano standing firm on the deferred action policy that the Federal Government is about to implement.

I refuse to bury another one of my constituents knowing that the Federal Government considers itself another bystander.

So the last comment I make is it is allocating resources.

This is not about funding a program. This is about saving American lives.

I please ask you to be brief, because then I have a specific question for Admiral Lee.

Why does Puerto Rico receive less Federal funding for law enforcement purposes than State-side jurisdictions?

We cannot afford to have the U.S.-Caribbean Border underprotected.

We must bolster resources, funding, and staffing of Federal law enforcement agencies throughout Puerto Rico.

So, please, I am begging and pleading with you to make sure that we have enough assets so that the Virgin Islands does not--ensure that the Virgin Islands gets the coverage that we need as well.

We simply cannot do it alone. Unless Washington acts, these criminal organizations will only strengthen their foothold in the region.

We cannot win without the active involvement of the Federal Government to secure all of our Nation's borders.

Imagine for a moment that this spike in violence were taking place in Florida. Does anyone seriously believe that Federal law enforcement agencies within DHS and DOJ would continue to conduct business as usual rather than surging resources…

I have repeatedly called on the President and senior Federal law enforcement officers to establish a U.S.-Caribbean Border Initiative.

The number of drug-related homicides in Puerto Rico in recent years would be considered a national emergency if it were occurring in any State.

I have an amendment at the desk that was printed in the Congressional Record as Amendment No. 16. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of the bill (before the short…

I thank the majority, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Pierluisi). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment Offered by Mr. Sullivan

Violent crime in Puerto Rico and the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands has been on the rise since 2000, even though violent crime nationwide has decreased substantially during that same time period. Puerto Rico's homicide rate is about six…

I have to commend your demeanor, your patience, your decorum in appearing before us and subjecting yourself sometimes to a process that I do not believe is fair.

Shouldn't you be acting with more of a sense of urgency in this area? Please, tell me why I should feel better about this than I do.

Today I'm introducing legislation to provide equitable treatment to Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories under the TANF program, which provides cash payments to needy families with children. Currently the territories are not eligible for…

I am prepared to close. We have no further speakers, so I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 4119, the Border Tunnel Protection Act of 2012. I yield back the balance of my time.