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.

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.

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…

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.

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

I respectfully ask that the final budget reflect this commitment.

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.

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 do not believe for a moment that this is your intention. To the contrary, I believe your bill tries in good faith to strike a balance between competing interests.

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