Stacey Plaskett

We are asking for a 100 percent waiver of Medicaid, the same that has been given to other locations

The responsibility constitutionally of this Congress, and my colleagues who call and claim to be strict constructionists should recognize that, as well.

There is no more mismanagement in the territories than there is in Detroit, New York, Florida, or any other place in this country.

I believe that Puerto Rico should be a state with all the rights and duties associated with being part of the United States.

Puerto Ricans are just as much citizens of our country as are people in Florida, Texas, California, or any other state or territory.

Despite the difficult and challenging circumstances, the government of Puerto Rico has led the island's recovery efforts.

Outside assistance, while welcomed, cannot substitute or displace the self-determination and self-governance necessary to truly create a sustainable recovery.

The job of rebuilding Puerto Rico is the responsibility of its people and elected leaders, including myself.

Unless you want to see me back here after another major hurricane devastates America's Paradise, we must build it back stronger and more sustainable than before.

We cannot squander this opportunity to rebuild a better, stronger, and more resilient Virgin Islands simply to rebuild quickly.

I am asking that the Congress waive the Virgin Islands' match for Medicaid over the next 3 years.

I have requested that amount in Federal disaster assistance from the President of the United States.

I have residents sleeping in cars.

I would just ask that this Congress take its responsibility seriously and do what is necessary to support the territories.

I would challenge any of you to be hit by two Category 5 hurricanes within 2 weeks back-to-back hitting directly and see your infrastructure standing at the level that ours has.

But more importantly, it is my job to expect Congress to do what Congress is supposed to do.

We are expecting your support because that is what Americans do for one another.

Statehood is necessary for Puerto Rico to implement transformative change.

So, I am asking this Congress as well to do what is necessary to take care of its people.

We should not expect Puerto Rico to have a first class economy when we treat Puerto Ricans as second class citizens.

The disaster inflicted by Irma and Maria has presented Congress with the historic opportunity to reassess the way that public policy is dictated toward millions of its own citizens.

These inequalities need to be addressed by our Nation as Americans.

What Puerto Rico needs is to get people and businesses back to work, or there will be no lasting recovery.

The disaster inflicted by Irma and Maria present the Congress with a historic opportunity to reassess the way that public policy is dictated toward millions of its own citizens.

Differential treatment in programs or funding, outright exclusion in some cases, be it by law or regulation, result in territories being forced to do the best they can with the extremely limited resources available.