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Washington Welcomes Puerto Rico

Statements by Federal Officials in Support of Statehood

A number of Members of Congress have been quite vocal for their support of Puerto Rico equality and statehood

  • March 2021
    • “Senator Rubio: ‘I will continue to do my part to one day achieve the 60 votes necessary in the Senate for the admission of Puerto Rico to the union.’” Tweet from Jose A. Delgado – March 2, 2021
    • “Rep. Don Young (R-AK): It is long past time that we listen to the people of Puerto Rico. These are not only our fellow citizens, but they are our friends. It is an honor to join my friend, Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón of Puerto Rico, on the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act.” Tweet from Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón –March 2, 2021
    • “Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE): For 120 years, #PuertoRico has been the home to over 3 million Americans, making it the last and only largest U.S. citizen populated territory to be denied approval of statehood. #PuertoRico should be allowed the same rights and benefits as the rest of the U.S.” Tweet from Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón –March 2, 2021
    • “Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN): As #PuertoRico continues to recover from natural disasters like Hurricane Maria, it’s more important than ever for its citizens to have their voices heard. That’s why we must pass the Puerto Rico Statehood Admissions Act as soon as possible.” Tweet from Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón –March 2, 2021
    • “Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL): Let’s abide by the will of the people of #PuertoRico and welcome the island as the 51st state in our nation. Puerto Ricans are Americans. Period. The people of Puerto Rico spoke clearly for Statehood last November. Now Congress must act.” Tweet from Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón –March 2, 2021
    • Val Demings (D-FL): Many people believe we don’t do much in a bipartisan way, but we agree on Statehood for Puerto Rico. We are going to do everything in our power to pass Satehood for Puerto Rico.” Tweet from Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón –March 2, 2021
    • “Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL) grew up in Puerto Rico and understands that statehood will provide the Island the necessary tools to succeed. Gracias, amiga, por tu apoyo! #PRStatehood” Tweet from Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón –March 2, 2021
    • Puerto Ricans have spoken and they want statehood now! #PRStatehood” Tweet from Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL) – March 2, 2021
    • “We are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. I am honored to stand with my colleagues, and my brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, to send a strong message that their voices matter and we are going to do everything in our power to pass #statehood.” Tweet from Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) – March 2, 2021
    • “Last year, American citizens in Puerto Rico clearly declared their desire for statehood. Now, it is our duty in Congress to act. Earlier today, Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón and I introduced the bipartisan Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act, which has 51 cosponsors! #PRStatehood” Tweet from Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) – March 2, 2021
    • “Today I helped introduce the bipartisan Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act. I’m looking forward to the day when the men & women living in #PuertoRico have the exact same rights & responsibilities as their fellow American citizens living in Florida & every other state.” Tweet from Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) – March 2, 2021
    • “I am so proud to stand with the people of #PuertoRico!”  Tweet from Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL) – March 2, 2021
    • “Last year, American citizens in Puerto Rico clearly declared their desire for statehood. Now, it is our duty in Congress to act. Proud to join Rep. Soto and Rep. González-Colón to achieve #PRStatehood!” Tweet from Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) – March 2, 2021
    • “Last year, the people of Puerto Rico voted for statehood, and Congress has a responsibility to listen to its citizens. I’m joining Rep. Soto and Rep. González-Colón – #PRStatehood is the next step to ensuring equality and democracy for the 3.2 million Americans on the Island.” Tweet from Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) – March 2, 2021
    • “Thank you Rep. Soto for championing the rights of Puerto Ricans so that they are treated with the respect they deserve. I applaud the bipartisan introduction of #PRStatehood today and look forward to working with you on this legislation.” Tweet from Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) – March 2, 2021
    • “104 years ago, Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship under the #JonesAct, yet they are still treated as 2nd class citizens to this day. #PRStatehood is the next step to ensuring equality for the island. Proud to join Rep. Soto and Rep. González-Colón to fight for #PRStatehood.” Tweet from Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) – March 2, 2021
    • “Puerto Ricans have made their desire for statehood clear, and Congress must follow suit. #PRStatehood is the next step towards equality and democracy. ¡Hoy, me uniré a Rep. Soto y Rep. González-Colón en la lucha por la #EstadidadParaPR!” Tweet from Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) – March 2, 2021
    • “104 years ago today, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship. Last year, they sent a clear message by voting in favor of statehood. Today, I’m proud to join Rep. González-Colón and Rep. Soto to announce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to formally admit Puerto Rico as a state.” Tweet from Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) – March 2, 2021
    • “Last year, the American citizens of Puerto Rico clearly declared their desire for statehood. Now, it is our duty in Congress to act! I am a proud original cosponsor of Rep. Soto and Rep. Gonzalez-Colon’s Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act to achieve #PRStatehood.” Tweet from Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) – March 3, 2021
    • “Yesterday we introduced a bipartisan bill in the House to begin Puerto Rico’s transition to statehood. I hope Senator Rubio and Senator Scott will co-lead Senator Heinrich’s similar effort. We need resolute action, not empty words, on this issue.” Tweet from Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) – March 3, 2021
    • “The majority of the Puerto Rican electorate voted for statehood. Legislating the will of the people is what we do in a democratic society. Statehood means a seat at the table for Puerto Rico- it means more resources & representation. It would bring legal equality to the island.” Tweet from Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) – March 7, 2021
    • *Discussing the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act* “Cosponsored. Puerto Rico deserves self determination and statehood.”Tweet from Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) – March 8, 2021
    • “‘If you do not have a seat at the table, then you’re probably on the menu. Statehood would provide Puerto Rico a seat at the table,’ Torres told Yahoo Finance.” “‘If Puerto Rico had two senators and five members of Congress, it would be in an infinitely stronger position to claim its fair share of federal funding — there’s no substitute for direct representation.’ Representation matters.” Tweet from Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) – March 13, 2021
    • “Four Senators have filed a companion to our bipartisan House bill to begin Puerto Rico’s transition to statehood. Florida is home to 1.2 million Puerto Ricans who overwhelmingly support statehood. Florida’s Senators should walk the walk and cosponsor this bill.” Tweet from Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) – March 17, 2021
    • “Last November, a majority of Puerto Ricans voted in favor of statehood and for full voting representation in the United States. Congress now has a moral responsibility to respond. That’s why I’m proud to join Representatives González-Colón and Soto and introduce this bicameral legislation that will create a clear and direct path to formally admit Puerto Rico as a state. My home state of New Mexico had a similar struggle to achieve statehood. It took 50 New Mexico statehood bills and 64 years before we were finally admitted to the United States. It is long past due for the millions of American citizens living in Puerto Rico to get the representation that they deserve.” Facebook Post from Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) – March 17, 2021
    • “A majority of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood last year. I’m a proud co-sponsor of this bipartisan bill to create a pathway to statehood for Puerto Rico.” Tweet from Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) – March 19, 2021
    • I just want to say it loud: I support Puerto Rico Statehood.” Tweet from Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) – March 19, 2021
    • “Puerto Rico has 3 paths. It can remain a territory. Or it can become a state or a nation—both dignified and democratic options. I support statehood because the people of PR voted for it & it’s the best way for the island to achieve equality and prosperity.” Tweet from Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) – March 25, 2021
    • “Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico should be states.” Tweet from Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) – March 26, 2021
    • “A clear majority of Puerto Ricans want statehood. It’s time we listen.  That’s why I introduced the Puerto Rico Admission Act. Let’s make Puerto Rico the 51st state in our union.” Tweet from Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) – March 27, 2021
  • February 2021
    • “La solución de la desigualdad es la igualdad y solo puede resolverse con la Estadidad.’ The solution to inequality is equality and that can only be resolved with Statehood for #PuertoRico.” Tweet from Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) – February 8, 2021
    • “The three million U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico can’t vote for president, have no senators, have one non-voting member in the House, and are treated unequally under federal law. A majority of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood. The federal government must respect that vote.” Tweet from Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) – February 12, 2021
  • January 2021
  • September 30, 2020
    • Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader: “I would — believe me, on D.C. and Puerto Rico, particularly if Puerto Rico votes for it, D.C. already has voted for it and wants it. I’d love to make them states.” (Breitbart) (CNS News) (MSNBC)
  • September 27, 2020
    • Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09): “I also proudly and strongly support #PRstatehood. Puerto Ricans are Americans and a critical part of our national fabric. Let’s make it official.” (Twitter)
  • September 20, 2020
    • Kamala Harris (D-CA): “[B]oth Joe Biden and I have a promise for you: we see you, we hear you, and with each passing day, we are with you…America’s founding promise of equality for all extends to all who live in Puerto Rico.” (El Nuevo Dia)
  • September 19, 2020
    • Mazie Hirono (D-HI): “…[W]e are going to explore every avenue to stop Mitch McConnell from stealing yet another Supreme Court seat…” *Question: “And does that include potentially making it clear that Democrats will vote on D.C. statehood and Puerto Rico statehood immediately upon taking power and taking control of the Senate…?”* “All of those matters will be on the agenda.” (Statement During Appearance on MSNBC)
  • September 18, 2020
    • Charlie Crist (D-FL-13): “On Nov. 3, the people of Puerto Rico will hold a yes-or-no vote on statehood. I’m joining [Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón], and my FL colleagues introducing a bipartisan resolution to support results of that vote & welcome Puerto Rico as the 51st state of the union if passed.” (Twitter)
  • September 17, 2020
    • Democratic Party Chair Tom Perez: “[Biden] said, exactly, that personally he supports the statehood of Puerto Rico and he also said, clearly, that it is very important that Puerto Ricans decide their future.” (Video)
  • September 16, 2020
    • Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), House Majority Leader: “With [Joe Biden] as President, all Americans will be heard and respected, not ignored or denied the resources they need. We can start by making Puerto Rico a state, should Puerto Ricans choose to do so.” (Twitter)
  • September 15, 2020
    • Presidential candidate Joe Biden: “I happen to believe statehood would be the most effective means of ensuring that residents of Puerto Rico are treated equally, with equal representation at a federal level. But the people of Puerto Rico must decide and the United States Federal Government must respect and act on that decision.” (The Hill or  You Tube)
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “As we mark the first day of #HispanicHeritageMonth, I’m introducing a resolution that would support Puerto Rico’s Nov. 3rd plebiscite results and call upon Congress and the President to take action in 2021 if Puerto Ricans vote for statehood.” (Twitter)
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “On the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, the introduction of our resolution is about respecting democracy and the will of the people of Puerto Rico. If Puerto Ricans vote for statehood, we must take action to admit the 51st state of our Union.” (The Hill)
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico will soon hold a simple, fair, yes-or-no vote on statehood. Today I joined @RepDarrenSoto, @RepJenniffer & many of my FL colleagues in filing a bipartisan resolution emphasizing that Congress must act if the people of PR confirm they want statehood.” (Twitter)
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “This is a moral issue for me. Puerto Ricans deserve to have the same rights & responsibilities as their fellow citizens in Florida and every other state. No more second-class treatment. #FlaPol #FL07” (Twitter)
  • September 1, 2020
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “The people of #PuertoRico will vote on Statehood in Nov. This is about democracy not some “radical” agenda. If they vote yes, we will admit them to the union next year, when voters send [Senate GOP] into the minority #PRStatehoodNOW” (Twitter)
  • August 27, 2020
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “The people of Puerto Rico, thru their elected representatives, have chosen to hold a “yes-or-no” referendum on statehood in Nov.—the fairest & simplest way to proceed. If voters confirm they want statehood, I’ll work with both parties to pass a bill making the territory a state…Statehood is the only status option that will give the American citizens who live in Puerto Rico true democracy and equality, which is what they deserve and have earned.” (Twitter)
  • August 25, 2020
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “We have a plebiscite on the Island coming up this November. If the people of #PuertoRico choose statehood, then the next steps for Congress are pretty clear. We vote to admit them to the union. In such a scenario, there would be no need for this bill.” (Twitter)
    • José Serrano (D-NY-15): “I have always supported an end to the colonial commonwealth status. The horrific inequities and harms of the past few years have made clear why Puerto Rico needs either statehood or independence. But that choice shouldn’t be limited to a club of elites.” (Twitter)
  • August 20, 2020
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “Our fellow American citizens in #PuertoRico deserve true equality. That’s why I support statehood, which would give the Puerto Rican people voting rights, guarantee their equal treatment under all federal laws, and improve quality of life on the island.” (Twitter)
  • August 2, 2020
    • Candidate Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15): “Bill Barr’s Justice Department defunds a referendum in Puerto Rico. [Barack Obama] supports statehood. [President Donald Trump] denies PR a chance to even vote on status in his latest act of sabotage against the island. It goes without saying: I stand with Obama.” (Twitter)
  • July 31, 2020
    • Candidate Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15): “President [Barack Obama] came out in favor of statehood for Puerto Rico. I made the same case a few weeks ago. If Puerto Ricans are American citizens, why not make them equal under the law? Statehood = Legal Equality” (Twitter)
  • July 30, 2020
    • Former President Barack Obama, Eulogy for former Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis: “Once we pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, we should keep marching to make it even better by making sure every American is automatically registered to vote…By guaranteeing that every American citizen has equal representation in our government, including the American citizens who live in Washington, D.C., and in Puerto Rico. They’re Americans…”(Report in the Atlantic)
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “If #PuertoRico voters choose #statehood, Congress has the final say and will support you! #PRStatehoodNow” (Twitter)
  • July 14, 2020
    • Candidate Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15): “…There are two alternatives to the status quo of colonialism: independence and statehood. I am squarely on the side of statehood. Puerto Ricans are and have long been American citizens. Instead of depriving them of citizenship entirely, make Puerto Ricans equal under the law…” (New York Daily News)
  • July 12, 2020
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “Apparently Pres Trump considered “selling” #PuertoRico. This is absolutely disgraceful. It also highlights precarious nature of Americans’ rights there and Island’s status. This wouldn’t happen if they were a state with 2 Senators & 4 Reps. #PRStatehoodNOW” (Twitter)
    • Candidate Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15): “The road to legal equality for Puerto Rico runs through statehood, which would protect the island from the colonial whims of a madman like Donald Trump.” (Twitter)
  • June 26, 2020
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “Today we voted to make DC the #51st Now let’s vote to make #PuertoRico the #52ndState #PRStatehoodNOW” (Twitter)
    • Don Young (R-AZ-AL): “…Statehood for Puerto Rico would give it the tools, resources, and power necessary to get its fiscal house in order so that taxpayers are not on the hook to bail out the island…The people of Puerto Rico have voted twice in the past eight years to become a state, and I continue working closely with [Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón] and other advocates to help make their admission to the Union a reality…” (Twitter)
  • June 16, 2020
    • Val Demings (D-FL-10): “For those asking: I also support statehood for Puerto Rico.” (Twitter)
  • June 5, 2020
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “Trump opposes PR Statehood. Joe Biden is open-minded & following 2020 Plebiscite. [Florida Democrats] passed resolution in support while [Florida GOP] leaders are now opposing PR statehood. Fellow Boricua take note! #PRStatehoodNOW” (Twitter)
  • May 27, 2020
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “A Member of Congress should advocate for causes they believe in & try to convince their colleagues of the merit of those causes. If the U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico confirm they want statehood, I will help lead the fight to admit Puerto Rico as our 51st state.” (Twitter)
  • May 21, 2020
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “#PuertoRico will FINALLY have a simple “Statehood? Yes or No” vote during a high turnout general election this Nov 2020! Through #PROMESA, #HurricaneMaria & #Earthquakes, Puerto Ricans have been treated like 2nd class citizensin DC. Vote YES for #Equality & #FairRepresentation!” (Twitter)
  • May 19, 2020
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “I’m very pleased the Puerto Rico government will hold a “yes-or-no” vote on statehood in November. This is the best and fairest way to structure the vote. Those who support statehood can vote yes and those who oppose it can vote no…I hope the American citizens of Puerto Rico confirm they want statehood. If they do, I’ll work in a bipartisan way in Congress to enact legislation admitting the territory as a state…Statehood is the only way to ensure that the people of Puerto Rico enjoy genuine democracy and equality under the American flag, which they deserve and have earned.” (Twitter)
  • March 11, 2020
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “In remembering the legacy of my longtime mentor, friend & trusted advisor, Alvaro Cifuentes, I am reminded of his dedication and passion for fighting for the people of Puerto Rico. We will continue the journey for PR statehood, always in his honor. Rest in power, my dear friend” (Twitter)
  • February 11, 2020
    • Val Demings (D-FL-10): “Puerto Rico is larger than NINETEEN states, and should also be immediately granted statehood. (I have cosponsored legislation for both PR and D.C.)” (Twitter)
  • January 27, 2020
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “It’s rare & refreshing to hear a presidential candidate support statehood for #PuertoRico in such morally-clear terms. These American citizens serve & sacrifice for our country. They deserve the genuine equality and political power that only statehood can provide. #Bloomberg2020” (Twitter)
  • November 6, 2019
    • Julia Brownley (D-CA-26): “The right to self-determination lies at the very heart of American democracy, and that is why I support the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act. The people of Puerto Rico deserve a chance to exercise this inherent right and have a pathway to statehood. #PR51st” (Twitter)
  • October 29, 2019
    • Donna Shalala (D-FL-27): “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” (Twitter)
  • October 23, 2019
    • Jeff Merkley (D-OR): “It is time for Puerto Rico to be a state and have representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate (of the United States).” (El Nuevo Dia)
  • July 18, 2019
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “Even in the darkest of hours, hope can emerge. A majority of Americans (2/3) favor Puerto Rican statehood! #PRStatehoodNow” (Twitter)
  • June 19, 2019
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “It’s ignorant for [Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell] to say supporting Puerto Rico Statehood is socialism — equal civil rights is definition of Democracy! Our Statehood Bill has bipartisan support, w/ [Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón] (GOP) and Gov. [Ricardo Rosselló] (Dem) endorsement.” (Twitter)
    • Rick Scott (R-FL): “I’ve been supportive of statehood…Here’s what I’ve supported. They had a vote, I think we ought to follow the will.”
  • June 15, 2019
    • Seth Moulton (D-MA): “We need a new Voting Rights Act in America to: – end voter suppression & gerrymandering, – institute automatic voter registration nationwide, – restore voting rights for rehabilitated felons, – guarantee paid time off to vote, and – grant statehood to Puerto Rico and D.C.” (Twitter)
  • April 12, 2019
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “We expect a hearing for HR 1965 to make Puerto Rico a State. As stated in [Orlando Sentinel] Op-Ed supporting Statehood, Congress needs to respect these elections…Whether Puerto Rico has another plebiscite is up to them. “Statehood? Yes or No” or other choice. In the meantime, I will continue to push for this legislation.” (Twitter)
  • April 5, 2019
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “As 2020 nears, Puerto Rico statehood looms large in Florida. Whether you support Statehood or Independence, one thing is for sure. The territorial status of Puerto Rico must go!” (Twitter)
  • March 30, 2019
    • Brian Schatz (D-HI): “Puerto Rico statehood should be one of our highest priorities in the next Congress. If they had Senators and Representatives these Americans wouldn’t be so badly mistreated in the wake of the disaster.” (Twitter)
  • March 28, 2019
    • Darren Soto (D-FL-09): “It’s time to end 120 years of colonialism for Puerto Ricans. Today, along with [Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón], I’m proud to introduce the first direct Puerto Rico Statehood bill to admit the island as 51st state of the union! #PRStatehoodNOW” (Twitter)
    • Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08): “Proud to stand w/ [Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló & others in introducing statehood legislation for the +3 million Americans living in Puerto Rico. We’ve admitted 37 states since the Union formed & it’s time to expand democracy again for the ppl of PR & DC.” (Twitter)
    • Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-07): “It is fundamentally unfair for the people of Puerto Rico – who serve in our military & contribute to our country – to be treated as 2nd class American citizens. I am proud to support legislation that will finally ensure 3 million Puerto Ricans are treated fairly. #PRStatehoodNow” (Twitter)
  • March 22, 2019
    • Brian Schatz (D-HI): “I understand that statehood for Puerto Rico should be determined first by residents of PR, and that Congress should pass a law only if the people of PR want it, but count me as a YES when the time comes. Millions of Americans without any Congressional representatives is unfair.” (Twitter)
  • February 24, 2019
    • Brian Schatz (D-HI): “Underrated issues for 2020 – cost of insulin. Lead in housing. A financial transactions tax. Medicaid. The Paris Accords. Social Security. Puerto Rico statehood. Extending solar credits. Rural broadband. Preventing the VA from being privatized.” (Twitter)
  • January 16, 2019
    • Albio Sires (D-NJ-08): “Sat down with [Charles A. Rodriguez] to discuss the importance of #PuertoRico gaining #statehood and restoring Puerto Rico’s financial status.” (Twitter)
  • January 12, 2019
    • Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08): “Two million Americans in Puerto Rico need disaster assistance, broad-based education and economic development, and real political equality. I’m totally with Governor [Ricardo Rossello]’s call for statehood.” (Twitter)
  • December 13, 2018
    • Debbie Wassserman Schultz (D-FL-23): “I will miss having my friend [Ileana Ros-Lehtinen] in Congress. In her absence, I promise to fight twice as hard for statehood for Puerto Rico.” (Twitter)
  • November 24, 2018
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “In 2014, Congress enacted a law authorizing a federally-sponsored vote in #PuertoRico on its status. I hope PR holds a simple yes-or-no vote on whether it wants to be a state, and I hope voters reaffirm they support statehood. U.S. citizens in PR deserve true equality.” (Twitter)
  • November 18, 2020
    • Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) “Our fellow Americans in #PuertoRico have made it clear they want admission into the union. Sen. Rubio remains committed to continuing to work with @RepJenniffer and [her] colleagues in the Senate to help promote and make Puerto Rico’s statehood a reality.” (Twitter)
  • November 12, 2018
    • Jim Langevin (D-RI-02): “Congressman Langevin is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Puerto Rico Admission Act of 2018, which would formally authorize the admission of Puerto Rico as a state of the Union. Puerto Ricans are United States citizens that deserve the dignity, sovereignty, and equality that comes with statehood. The tragic and lasting effects of Hurricane Maria have demonstrated that fact.” (Twitter)
  • October 15, 2018
    • Shadow Sen. Paul Strauss (DC): “The [New York Times] makes the case for #DCStatehood and #Statehood for #PuertoRico by explaining how #UnDemocratic the US #Senate is as an institution. ‘The Senate: Affirmative Action for White People’ (Twitter)
  • October 5, 2018
    • Michael Waltz (R-FL): “#PuertoRico is filled with #ServantLeaders. It has more military members/vets per capita than any other state in the US! I fully support #statehood for PR” (Twitter)
    • Michael Waltz (R-FL): “I whole heartedly support statehood for Puerto Rico” (Facebook)
  • September 25, 2018
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “The movement for statehood for #PuertoRico is noble. It’s rooted in the simple yet powerful belief that the U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico have earned the right to vote for their national leaders & to equality under law. This quest for justice should transcend partisan politics.” (Twitter)
    • Bernie Sanders (I-VT): “The issue of statehood for Puerto Rico is a decision that must be made by the people of the island. How outrageous is it that the president is opposing Puerto Rican statehood simply because he doesn’t like the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz?…” (Facebook)
  • September 5, 2018
    • Brian Schatz (D-HI): “Puerto Rico should be a state. Americans deserve representation in Congress and in the Electoral College.” (Twitter)
  • June 29, 2018
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “This week, I was proud to work with Puerto Rico’s representative in Congress, [Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón], to file legislation to begin the territory’s transition to #statehood. I spoke on the House floor about why equality for the American citizens of #PuertoRico is so important.” (Twitter)
  • June 27, 2018
    • Marco Rubio (R-FL)“I support the right of our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico to seek admission to the union as a state. I will continue working on our strategy of building support in the Senate and creating the conditions necessary to achieve the 60 votes needed for success.” Press Release
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “I joined [Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón] today to file a bipartisan bill to begin Puerto Rico’s transition to #statehood. After 120 years, #PuertoRico deserves—and has earned—full equality and its own star on our nation’s flag.” (Twitter)
  • May 4, 2018
    • Rob Bishop (R-UT-01), Ranking Member, House Natural Resources Committee: “I want to be very clear: I’m in favor of Puerto Rico statehood. If people are willing to sit down, put partisanship aside, and do what is best for the people of Puerto Rico, we will have success.” (Press Conference)
  • March 4, 2018
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “Residents of #PuertoRico were granted US citizenship 101 yrs ago this week. They‘ve since made countless contributions to our nation in times of war & peace. However, as a US territory, PR is treated unfairly under federal law. I support statehood & full equality for Puerto Rico.” (Twitter)
  • January 17, 2018
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “It was great to meet with former #PuertoRico Governor Pedro Rosselló to reaffirm my support for statehood for PR. It’s time for the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico to have the same rights and responsibilities as their fellow citizens living in Florida and every other state.” (Twitter)
  • October 25, 2017
    • Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08): “…Those are our people. Those are our citizens. Those are Americans in Puerto Rico. But why were they treated differently? Why was there this notorious negligence and lethargy in responding to the plight of people in Puerto Rico? Well, they have no voting representatives in this Chamber or in the United States Senate, so we have got millions of people unrepresented…” (House Floor Statement – Congressional Record, Page H8219)
    • Chris Murphy (D-CT): “But a century of under investment in Puerto Rico has been a big part of the story as to how they arrived at this situation. And unlike all those other U.S. States, Puerto Rico has no way of rectifying the past misdeeds because its toolbox to reckon with its past is limited to what Congress sticks in the toolbox, and that toolbox doesn’t provide access to the Bankruptcy Code.” (Senate Floor Statement – Congressional Record, Page S6792)
  • October 24, 2017
    • Cory Booker (D-NJ): “…[W]e must have a comprehensive aid package—not just to help our fellow Americans in Florida and Texas where there are urgent crises still going on. The gravity of the pain and suffering in the Virgin Islands and in Puerto Rico right now is unimaginable for those of us who are not experiencing it, and it is unacceptable for us, as Americans, not to be there for our fellow citizens.” (Senate Floor Statement – Congressional Record, Page S6724)
  • October 23, 2017
    • Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08): “We need bipartisan action to pass the GOP’s platform plank of Puerto Rican statehood to revive the island’s economy.” (Twitter)
  • October 19, 2017
    • Mark Warner (D-VA): “Let me also echo that I absolutely support his notion that the American citizens in Puerto Rico deserve not to be forgotten and deserve to receive the same attention we have bestowed upon Americans in Texas or in Florida or in Louisiana or elsewhere around our great country when they were victims of national disasters.” (Senate Floor Statement – Congressional Record, Page S661)
  • September 28, 2017
    • Bobby Scott (D-VA-03): “More than 3.4 million people reside in Puerto Rico alone—U.S. citizens who are in need of full support of the Federal Government. This is more than the population of Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, and Alaska combined— U.S. citizens, yet they have no voting Members of Congress. U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands serve in our military. In fact, Puerto Ricans serve in our military at a rate twice the general U.S. population, and they are hurting… These Americans do not have voting representation in Congress that allows their representatives to most effectively advocate on their behalf…” (House Floor Statement – Congressional Record, Page H7594)
  • June 21, 2017
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “#PuertoRico has earned statehood & a star on the American flag.Watch my speech today on the island’s political status.” (Twitter)
  • June 15, 2017
    • Don Young (R-AK-AL): “I think it is time that America should stop colonizing. If I am not mistaken, this is the last Nation that has a colony. The great America of the United States has a colony, and I think it is time that we change that. Vote in Congress to make sure that we have the 51st State….I believe so strongly that we treat every American equally. This is a civil rights issue, and they have voted 97 percent in favor of statehood…I ask every American to think about it. Let’s make this the last colony. Let’s make this the 51st State.” (House Floor Statement – Congressional Record, page H4934)
    • Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), House Majority Leader: “The Puerto Rican election that was held overwhelmingly voted for statehood as the option of governance they wanted to pursue. It is now, it seems to me, the responsibility of the United States Congress and the administration to recognize the overwhelming sentiment of the Puerto Rican people, expressed in a free and open election.” (House Floor Statement – Congressional Record, Page H4934)
  • June 12, 2017
    • Ron Wyden (D-OR): “[The American citizens of Puerto Rico] have now sent a clear and unambiguous message that they want to transition from a territory to a state. Congress needs to begin looking at ways to fulfill the wishes of these fellow Americans, as it has for all previous territories that voted for statehood.” (Press Release)
  • June 11, 2017
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “The people of Puerto Rico voted in favor of statehood today. Here is my statement: ‘I commend Puerto Rico for holding a vote on its future political status. The ballot was fair and those who voted overwhelmingly chose statehood. In our democracy, only those who show up to vote get counted. I will always support equality through statehood for the 3.4 American citizens that reside in Puerto Rico. Given their contributions to our nation in times of war and peace for well over a century, they deserve to have the same rights and responsibilities as their fellow citizens living in Florida and every other state.’” (Twitter)
    • Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20): “Puerto Rico should be admitted as a state to the United States.” (Twitter)
  • June 7, 2017
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “I continue to support Puerto Rican statehood and will be watching the June 11 plebiscite with great interest.” (Twitter)
  • April 22, 2017
    • Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), House Majority Leader: “I will continue to stand up in Congress for the people of Puerto Rico, who are American citizens, to ensure that they can choose the status they believe is best for them. (Press Release)
  • March 2, 2017
    • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07): “Today marks 100 yrs since Puerto Ricans granted American citizenship. I support US statehood for Puerto Rico & equal treatment.” (Twitter)
  • June 9, 2016
    • Jose Serrano (D-NY-15): “Well, there is a bigger problem, and I think it is time Congress came together with the people of Rico and decided to end the colonial status. But ending the colonial status does not mean tweaking the colony to make it a little better or washing the face of the colony to make it a little more presentable. It means getting rid of the colony and either becoming the 51st State or an independent nation.” (House Floor Statement – Congressional Record, Page H3604)
  • November 19, 2013
    • Martin Heinrich (D-NM): “Fifty four percent of Puerto Ricans rejected their current form of government, and for anyone who ascribes to take seriously self-determination for democracy, [this] now requires a response. I believe that Congress has a responsibility to respond to that referendum. The debate over Puerto Rico’s status needs to be settled once and for all so that its people can focus on their prosperity. It is time for Puerto Rico to have a democratically legitimate form of government.” (Remarks– Capitol Hill Rally for Puerto Rican Equality)
  • July, 2012
    • Vice President Joe Biden: “I have always found Puerto Rico’s current political status as something very bizarre. My word of advice to you, and all Puerto Ricans, is that you continue to fight hard until you reach your goal of equality, and we shall act.” (Orlando Sentinel)