not so, says commissioner pierluisi. he thinks both issues can be overcome and that puerto rico will become a state someday. >> i, myself, believe that's the way to go. we should be first-class citizens. >> puerto rico is not the only u.s. territory. so, if it does become a state, we might also hear from folks in the u.s. virgin islands, the northern mariana islands, american samoa and guam. for "teen kids news," i'm nicole. >>> stay with us, there's lots more still to come on "teen kids be right back. two incredible lash looks, one genius brush. twist to one, for length and drama... or two, for length and definition. it's mascara, with a twist. new revlon, customeyes mascara. >>> volunteering is something many teens do. for some, it's a requirement for high school. for others, it's to give back to their community. no matter the reason, more are doing it. in fact, over 55% of teens in the u.s. volunteer. tyler tells us how four friends are making a difference. >> meet taylor, rachel, lindsey, and amy. we're four friends,

pierluisi: i'd like to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. pierluisi: i'm compelled to respond to remarks made yesterday by my colleague, the gentleman from illinois, in which he harshly criticized the elected government of puerto rico and the island's chief political judge. the speech was inappropriate and insulting to the people of puerto rico. i hope such action will not be repeated but if it is, make no mistake, i will return to the floor of this house again to refend my constituents and the government they chose in free elections. from all unwarranted attacks. i will rise then in the same capacity that i rise now as puerto rico's only elected representative in congress and the only member of this chamber who can make any claim to speak on behalf of the island's nearly four million american citizens. i will fight for my people because it is my privilege, my honor and my duty to do so. i will be entering my full statement for the record. thank you and i yield back the balance of my time. . th

pierluisi, mrs. christensen an mr. is a plan all agree that this funding cut is yet another example of the majority's lack of concern for over four million residents of the u.s. territories. while the majority's removal of our symbolic voting rights at the beginning of the 112th congress did not affect the livelihoods of our constituents, this funding cut would tangibly result in a reduction of public service in each of our districts. and i oppose the republicans' continued neglect of our local governments in the territories. i yealed back. the chair: the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. for what purpose does the gentleman from american samoa rise? mr. faleomavaega: i move to strike the last word. the chair: the gentleman is reich niced. mr. faleomavaega: i appreciate the goal to cut spending and reduce the deficit which is expected to hit $1.6 trillion this year. i'm pleased with the approach laid out by president obama in his budget proposal for fy-2012 and beyond. president obama is making the case fo