Floor Statement on House Floor Consideration of H.R. 8393, the Puerto Rico Status Act
Link to the video.
Today is truly a historic day for Puerto Rico. Ironically, it is also perfect example of the Island’s colonial reality.
I am Puerto Rico’s only voice in Congress. I represent 3.2 million Americans, more constituents than any other member of this House. Yet, even as we consider a bill I helped write, a bill that will directly impact the lives of every citizen I represent, I still must rely and depend on you as I am not allowed to vote on this floor because we’re a territory.
Today, Congress takes a significant step towards finally assuming its responsibility under Article 4, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution to provide the people of Puerto Rico with an opportunity; a federally-binding choice to democratically decide our future among the three non-territorial, constitutionally viable options: Statehood, Independence, and Independence in Free Association.
For the first time in history, we are considering legislation that would authorize a self-executing plebiscite on the Island among non-territorial status alternatives only. With the adoption of this bill, this chamber is recognizing and making clear that Puerto Rico’s century-old territorial status is the problem and cannot be part of the solution.
The territorial condition constrains the Island’s ability to prosper and has relegated the Island into an indefinite second-class status when compared to the 50 states. It is the main reason behind the social, economic, and fiscal challenges we have faced, forcing a mass exodus of millions of Puerto Ricans to the U.S. mainland, in search for the equality that, as citizens, are bestowed upon us by the Declaration of Independence, and yet is denied to them back home.
Congress has perpetuated by its inaction this dysfunctional political-economic condition — one that at its core is, as President Ronald Reagan once characterized it, "historically unnatural.”
Because we’re a territory, the people of Puerto Rico lack full voting representation in Congress and cannot vote for the President, who sends our sons and daughters to war.
Because we’re a territory, the federal government can, and often does, treat us unequally under federal laws and programs.
Because we’re a territory, we’re treated as second-class citizens.
Because we’re a territory, I am here, discussing a bill related to one of our most critical issues, and yet I cannot vote on it.
That’s why any effort to permanently solve Puerto Rico’s political status must be among non-territorial options. This bill provides a way to achieve this.
I support statehood for the Island and our people have voted three times against the territorial status and in favor of statehood.
In response, I introduced H.R. 1522, which, following the most recent precedents of Alaska and Hawaii, would have established a process to admit the Island as a State of the Union, if voters ratified the decision in a simple, Yes-or-No vote.
However, given the political realities in this Congress, and in the interest of advancing the status issue and ending the long-standing territorial stagnation, I led negotiations on the bill before us.
This bill makes an offer to the people of Puerto Rico: statehood or independence, with or without free association. It spells out the consequences of each option, allowing voters to make an informed decision.
This bill is not perfect. But it represents a historic effort we can build on to finally decolonize Puerto Rico and therefore end over one hundred years of inequality and second-class citizenship.
I want to conclude by remembering someone who’s passion, wisdom and insight is sorely missed today. The late Congressman Don Young of Alaska, who understood better than anyone the inequities that come with being a territory and always championed statehood for Puerto Rico.
I also want to recognize Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who’s leadership and work was instrumental in getting this bill done.
Madam Speaker, never has a U.S. territory had to wait longer than Puerto Rico before either being granted independence or admitted as a state. Puerto Ricans have now voted three times in the last decade to become a full and equal member of the American family. They have more than earned the right to, at the very least, be heard. As Puerto Rico’s sole representative in Congress, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8393 and allow us to finally put an end to our shameful territorial status.
Thank you and I yield back.
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