Interagency Group on Puerto Rico, Testimony before the House Resources Committee, March 19, 1997, p. 90. [President Clinton has] recognized that the frustrating debate is likely to persist until the Federal Government clarifies what the options really are and how they can be implemented. The differing status aspirations that Puerto Ricans have long discussed largely hinge on fundamental Federal decisions that have not been made.
The President has therefore favored Puerto Ricans making a choice in concert with Congressional action in a process that is developed together with the people’s representatives.
Establishing a process that would enable this matter to finally be resolved is his highest priority regarding Puerto Rico, and he is fully committed to working with you and others in the Congress, with Puerto Rico’s leaders, and others to establish it as soon as possible.
The President believes that the Federal Government should number one, provide the people of Puerto Rico with options that are serious and fair responses to their diverse, expressed aspirations and, number two, commit to act on implementing an option that is authorized by a majority vote in Puerto Rico.
