Target: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Goal: Give Puerto Ricans the option of officially becoming a U.S. state.
Over a century ago, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States. Since then, the region has remained in limbo: not a state and not an independent, autonomous country. Because of this status, Puerto Rico and its citizens have never enjoyed full representation in the government that rules over them. New action on Capitol Hill could end this flux, however.
The House of Representatives is weighing two bills regarding Puerto Rico’s future. One bill would put the matter in the hands of a convention, which could delay decisive action even further. The second option, the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act, would at last accomplish something that has not occurred since the region became a territory. Congress would formally invite Puerto Rico to be granted statehood, and the decision would then go to its citizens for a final referendum and vote. If Puerto Ricans chose statehood (as they did by a 52 percent majority in a non-binding resolution during the last election), then the territory would officially become a state.
Sign the petition below to urge leadership to back a measure that could resolve one of the nation’s most lingering political questions once and for all.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Speaker Pelosi.
Refusing to take a stand in order to offend no one and placate everyone too often creates paralysis and inaction. Puerto Rico’s citizens have lived with this inaction for over 100 years. The time to end their limbo is now.
The Supreme Court dealt a blow to Puerto Rico’s more-than-a-territory-but-not-quite-a-state status in 2016. Instead, the United States reasserted its control over the island. Despite having the status of U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans do not have equal representation in the government they are expected to obey. These individuals have voted on the issue of statehood many times, even in the 2020 election. Yet they have never received a formal invitation for statehood from Congress.
Set a precedent for other territories and Washington, DC itself. Give Puerto Ricans this opportunity for true self-determination. Support the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Jo Kassis
It is way past time to solve this issue with Puerto Rico. Give the citizens of PR a chance to have a say in their government and let them choose statehood or the chance to be an independent country.