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Statehood Bill Co-sponsors Speak Out

The Puerto Rico Statehood Admissions Act of 2019 (HR 4901) currently has 46 co-sponsors, both Democratic and Republican. The bill calls for a new status plebiscite in Puerto Rico, with a commitment from Congress to take action on the vote.

Many of the co-sponsors have made statements explaining why they support the act. Here are some of the statements made by the co-sponsors of the bill.

“This historic bill places us on a path towards the political equality that our people deserve. The American citizens of Puerto Rico will have the opportunity to participate in a federally-sponsored vote and be asked the following question: ‘Should Puerto Rico be admitted as a State of the Union, yes or no?’. This is similar to what happened in Alaska and Hawaii, which is what ultimately makes this legislation different.” – Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR)

“Rep. González-Colón’s introduction of this statehood bill is an important step in the continued conversation about the future of the island. I commend the Resident Commissioner for her unwavering support for a stable and vibrant Puerto Rico.” – Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-UT)

“With Alaska being the second-youngest state in the nation, I am deeply familiar with the deliberations and debate involved when deciding whether or not to pursue statehood. Although federal law applies in Puerto Rico, its 3.2 million U.S. citizens cannot participate in national elections, cannot vote for president, and do not have full representation in Congress. I am proud to be supporting this legislation to provide a plebiscite with the assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice and create a pathway to statehood. I have always been a supporter of the island’s right to self-determination, and this bill empowers Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico faces many issues, including economic difficulty and the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. Ultimately, Congress must consider admitting Puerto Rico to the Union, but in the meantime, I will continue doing everything in my power to help Puerto Rico overcome the difficult obstacles they currently face.” – Rep. Don Young (R-AK)

I care deeply about Puerto Rico because my constituents care deeply about Puerto. But every Member of Congress should care about Puerto Rico because Puerto Ricans are our fellow citizens.  We’re part of the same American family and we should fight for each other…The bill will authorize the government of Puerto Rico to hold the first federally-sponsored status vote in the island’s history, using funding Congress made available for this purpose back in 2014. The ballot will be simple and fair, asking voters whether they want Puerto Rico to become a state, yes or no.  Those who support statehood can vote “yes” and those who prefer another status can vote “no.”  That’s what Alaska did.  That’s what Hawaii did.  And that’s what Puerto Rico should do—and this bill requires Congress to respect their wishes. I will support whatever choice the people of Puerto Rico make, but I personally hope they choose statehood.  It’s the only way for Puerto Ricans to have full democratic rights and full equality within this nation, which they have contributed so much to. I think men and women from Puerto Rico, who serve in the U.S. military with courage and patriotism, should be able to vote for their president and commander-in-chief. I think they should have two senators and five representatives in Congress to defend their interests. I think they should be treated equally under all federal health and economic development programsI support statehood for Puerto Rico because I support equality for the people of Puerto Rico.  They deserve to have the same rights and responsibilities as their fellow citizens in Florida andevery other state.  Puerto Rico has earned its star on the American flag, and I’ll do everything within my power to make that happen.” – Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)

“The people of Puerto Rico have voted twice for statehood. I am proud to work with Commissioner González-Colón to make their voices be heard in Washington.” – Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)

“The people of Puerto Rico have already twice requested to become a state. It is time for the citizens of Puerto Rico to be able to have the same rights and privileges as [other] American citizens and I hope my colleagues will support this measure.” – Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL)

“I support the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act because the right to self-determination lies at the very heart of American democracy. The Puerto Rican people deserve to exercise that right by holding a plebiscite on the question of statehood for their Island. #PR51st.” (tweet) — Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL)

1 thought on “Statehood Bill Co-sponsors Speak Out”

  1. “Silence to discrimination; supports injustice!”–Research-Exposé (with Facts-Truth-Reason)
    **Equality-Fairness for US Citizens-Veterans in US Territory of Puerto Rico (PR)!**
    “Patriots cry for Justice-a Call to Arms (Civic Action)-for Fairness-Equality!”
    SUM: Since, 1898 (for over 120 years)–fellow, but, 2d Class US Citizens-American Veterans (part of “We the People”), in the US Territory of PR (with more US Citizens than 22 States) — have made many valuable contributions to our USA! But, until TODAY Puerto Ricans face FEDERAL unfair Treatment/institutional discrimination—NO Federal “consent of the governed” or full Rights; NO blood earned Benefits; NO Parity in Federal Laws-Funds; NO permanent statutory US Citizenship (even in a State)–that other US Citizens-American Veterans have, per our US Constitution; noble US Flag- that represents all “WE THE PEOPLE”!
    oPuerto Ricans face a complex CRISIS which major ROOT components are–
    *Economic-Jobs; Fiscal-Debt; Infrastructure; Social-Humanitarian; Status-Equality*
    *Where each PART affects the other; the Federal undemocratic Territorial (Colonial) Status affects everything. NO Federal Parity in Law (discrimination) ties Puerto Rican hands to compete on a level Playing Field!
    The Federal Government (US President; US Congress; US Federal-Supreme Court)- has done some good things, but, incongruently doesn’t FAIRLY treat fellow US Citizens-American Veterans, in the US Territory of PR, the same as those in the States, even while Puerto Ricans are part of “WE THE PEOPLE”; nor has the Federal Government done anything for 120+ years to fix-remedy an unjust Federal undemocratic situation–per the trite Territorial Clause-1787, and US Supreme Court Insular Cases-1901-1925+ when institutional Racism was in vogue…, but, is the covert Federal Governing Law today!
    There is a big Exodus to the States that hurts PR’s Economy… as it taxes State-Local resources…
    Loyal US Puerto Ricans sacrifice; make great contributions to our noble US, since 1513, when their Ancestors (1st Governor of PR) came to the now US–107 years before the Pilgrims; fought in the War of Independence (1776)… as today brave US Veterans-shed sweat, blood, and tears for our US Flag!
    Patriots of True Grit call for Civic ACTION to get the Federal Government to do Right– concurrently solve the root causes of the colossal Crisis; not make excuses, cover-up, generalize, speculate, distort, stereotype or misinform—as that SUPPORTS discrimination or closet racism, since 1898!
    SOLVE- The Federal Government should do its DUTY-provide FAIR TREATMENT-EQUAL RIGHTS for ALL “WE THE PEOPLE” (not some)! Take concurrent ACTION-Fix, with PR Government–
    “Economic-Jobs; Fiscal; Infrastructure; Humanitarian; Status-Equality-Crisis”
    Federal-US SUPREME Court: Overturn/revoke discriminatory and racist Insular Cases (1901-1925+)
    PASS HR 4901; Incorporate; grant STATEHOOD; admit fellow loyal US Citizens-US Veterans– to our “UNION of STATES” with own– STATE- PR Identity; Constitution; Flag; and Sovereignty; UNITED- under our US Constitution-noble US Flag-that represents ALL the PEOPLE-States and Territories.
    **Alternative–do Referendum on NON-Territorial Constitutional defined Options, which only are:
    STATEHOOD vs INDEPENDENCE or INDEPENDENCE w/ PACT of “Free Association
    **Those with a non-permanent statutory US Citizenship, even if residing in the States, should participate in any Status Plebiscite, because the outcome could affect them (can lose US Citizenship).
    Best Option: EQUALITY+PROGRESS=STATEHOOD with DIGNITY!
    May the “Force” of the “UNION” be with you!
    Let the Truth liberate ignorance! INFORM-SHARE!
    *ASK POLITICIAN-Will you allow Federal discrimination (since 1898) against 2d Class US Citizens-American Veterans (part of “We The People”) in the US Territory of Puerto Rico (with more US Citizens than 22 States) OR support FAIRNESS-EQUALITY through STATEHOOD or only ALTERNATIVE: Non-Territorial Referendum: STATEHOOD vs INDEPENDENCE (without or with PACT of Free Association)?
    *You are either for FAIRNESS-Equal Rights or you excuse-support 120+ years of Federal discrimination!
    CONTACT: MEDIA; US President and US Congress (DO: Resolutions; Emails; Letters; Forums; Town Halls…) Speak-up for Right! *Don’t only put Band-Aids on the grave Puerto Rican Crisis (since 1898), but, RESOLVE it!
    US Congress: https://contactingcongress.org/
    US President: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

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