Pedro Pierluisi

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 am describing statehood. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is just the language used.

I agree with now-President Obama. This bill, 2499, doesn't deal with either issue, either citizenship or a transfer of Puerto Rico to a foreign nation.

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

The Popular Democratic Party believes in a political association with dignity, not colonial or territorial, between Puerto Rico and the United States.

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.

the real consensus here is that many of those people who don't want the people of Puerto Rico to have a real vote to decide our future want us and want this Committee to continue the delay of that purpose

I disagree with you.

the Resident Commissioner in Congress from Puerto Rico

However, we propose that H.R. 2499 be amended to incorporate more precise and clear definitions of the alternatives to be submitted to the voters, such as those contained in H.R. 900, filed by Congressman Jose Serrano and Luis Fortuno, by…

The issue is 'and has always been--how far does the Southern border of the U.S. extend into Latin America and the Caribbean.'

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.

I see that both of you are concerned with the fact that the bill doesn't specify or describe the current status as territorial, as a territory, as what it is.

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

The ballot results will speak for themselves.

I want to begin by expressing my appreciation to Chairman Rahall. Both of us believe that after 111 years, it is imperative that the 111th Congress finally ask the people of Puerto Rico for their views on the island's future.

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.

The bill says, sovereignty in association with the United States.

I respectfully ask that the final budget reflect this commitment.

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

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

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

President Obama has pledged most recently in a letter to our Governor, Luis Fortuno, to 'seek equal coverage of Puerto Rico' under these two programs.

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 thank you for holding this timely and important hearing on SORNA.