July 24, 2023
The Honorable Bruce Westerman
Chairman
U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources 1324 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Westerman:
In anticipation of the 125th Anniversary of the U.S. landing in Puerto Rico during the Spanish American War, which took place on July 25, 1898, we the undersigned organizations, write to urge you to promptly hold legislative hearings in the House Committee on Natural Resources (Committee) on the need to finally resolve Puerto Rico’s political status. Addressing this issue promptly is not only critical to the 3.2 million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico, but to the present and future of America’s role in the world.
On December 15, 2022, during the debate on the House floor for H.R. 8393, the Puerto Rico Status Act (PRSA), which was approved with a bipartisan vote of 233-191,1 you expressed the need to have a full and robust legislative process on the issue of self- determination for Puerto Rico, stating:
“The Committee on Natural Resources has not held a hearing on this bill, nor have the other committees with expertise on complex issues of U.S. citizenship, taxation and entitlement programs, foreign policy, and many other matters…It is unfortunate that we are here considering this legislation on the House floor after the majority has held backroom negotiations instead of open, transparent hearings and markups. A regular and open legislative process would have allowed Members of this body and the people of Puerto Rico— more than 3 million United States citizens—to fully assess what this bill proposes and what it means for this and future generations…We should be treating these U.S. citizens with respect and letting a full and robust legislative process in the light of day take place to address the status question and the many implications for the people of Puerto Rico and for all Americans…The gentleman talked about the inherent right to self-determination. He said it is something that shouldn’t be dictated by the Congress of the U.S. to the people of Puerto Rico. He said the decision belongs to the people of Puerto Rico. Their destiny belongs to them. I think we would all agree with that in principle, but that is not what this bill says… Madam Speaker, in closing, it is obvious there is bipartisan support for Puerto Rican self-determination. That is not the issue. The issue is the process, and this is a bad process.”
We agree with your position that there is bipartisan support for Puerto Rico’s self- determination in Congress and that there should be “open, transparent hearings and markups,” on this critical issue. In fact, even though most of the undersigned organizations actively supported and advocated for passage of H.R. 8393 in June 2022, when the discussion draft of that bill was presented for public feedback, we gave our support for that legislation but urged the Committee to consider several substantive improvements to the bill through the legislative process. We wrote:
“While we support the PRSA discussion draft as written, and acknowledge that making any changes to it that are not agreed to by all of the parties could cause the bipartisan agreement to fall apart, we believe the Committee must consider making several critical improvements to the legislation before its introduction or during the legislative process… However, if the choice is between the implementation of these proposed changes or Congress not taking action to approve the PRSA, we would much prefer the approval of the current discussion draft over the perpetuation of the unequal, unjust and fundamentally colonial current territory status.” 3
Now that you, as Chairman, have the power to hold “open, transparent hearings and markups,” on this critical issue we urge you to use that power by calling for a hearing on the need for Congress to finally resolve Puerto Rico’s political status. By doing so you would continue the bipartisan efforts in Congress and on the island to bring an end the territorial status of Puerto Rico and to empower America to live up to its highest ideals and values. If the attempt by the previous Congress was deficient, then now you have the chance to develop a better process. Doing so will not only help Puerto Rico, but strengthen America’s democracy, security and global standing.
As you are aware, the majority of U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico have voted now on three occasions in the last decade against continuing under the current territory status and in support of statehood as their preferred non-territory option. Most recently, in the November 2020 plebiscite vote, 52.52 percent4 of voters chose statehood for Puerto Rico in an election where the participation rate was 73 percent.5 Every day of Congressional silence on this issue is a day that betrays America’s core founding value of government by consent of the governed. What is worse, territory status has severely weakened Puerto Rico by pushing out hundreds of thousands of island residents who feel forced to move stateside in search of equal rights and opportunities.6
Additionally, with the continued news about China’s growing global ambitions, including the recent revelation of their ongoing negotiations with Cuba to grow their military intelligence and training operation in that country to spy on and challenge America’s role in the world,7 Congress must also address Puerto Rico’s political status as a critical national security issue. The Committee has already taken actions to address the national security threats from China in the Pacific. On June 14, 2023, the Committee’s Indo-Pacific Task Force held a hearing titled “How Compacts of Free Association Supports U.S. Interests and Counter the PRC’s Influence;” and on July 18, 2023, it held another hearing titled “The Biden’s Administration’s Proposed Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023.” We urge you to also give attention to how these geopolitical challenges are playing out in the Caribbean, where Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed they would cause the U.S. “deep concerns.”8
As important as the compacts of free associations are in terms of U.S. national security, addressing the political status of Puerto Rico and ending the inequality of its U.S. citizens must be of equal if not greater importance. As multiple former military officials have made clear, the U.S. Congress simply cannot afford to continue keeping Puerto Rico under the weak and deteriorating territory status and must present island voters with a definitive choice about the island’s future and its relationship with the U.S.9 How Congress addresses its relationship with Puerto Rico, or fails to do so, sends a clear signal to the rest of the world about whether or not we are committed as a country to continue building the conditions for democracy and prosperity in the world, or whether we are resigned to allow America’s position of global leadership to diminish.
With the introduction of H.R. 2757 this year, our organizations have committed to support this bill as the only current legislative proposal that seriously attempts to address this complex issue. However, we believe that like its predecessor the current bill can be improved upon. Given that H.R. 2757 has already gained six Republican cosponsors, including Resident Commissioner and a majority member on the Committee, Jenniffer González-Colón, we believe that opening the discussion on the topic of Puerto Rico’s status can create space for this bipartisan support to grow. Just as you helped lead the establishment of the Bipartisan Task Force Combatting Chinese Government’s Influence in the Indo-Pacific,10 we believe that you can also help lead a bipartisan effort to look at the issue of resolving Puerto Rico’s status with a fresh set of eyes and a broader perspective on the implications of this issue. Simply put, these matters are the most important policy issues that the Committee has under its jurisdiction.
Under your leadership, the 118th Congress can bravely continue the momentum from the 117th Congress, and allow for the perspectives of Republicans, Democrats and other stakeholders to be heard. By holding legislative hearings, the Committee will have the opportunity to discuss and debate the substantive concerns you and other members raised prior to the House vote last year. This will create an opportunity for you to situate the discussion of this issue in a broader context, including the newest revelations regarding China’s attempt to reshape the global geopolitical landscape by establishing a presence in the Caribbean. As proud American citizens and supporters of statehood for Puerto Rico, we share your vision and commitment for a stronger and more prosperous America. We believe that our island has contributed greatly and has much more that it can contribute, not only to America’s prosperity and security, but also to the prospects of democracy, stability and peace at the global level.
However, for Puerto Rico to truly thrive, prosper, and reach its full potential, it needs full democracy. The current territory status of Puerto Rico not only disenfranchises our fellow U.S. citizens and disregards their sacrifices and contributions to the Nation, but also fails to meet America’s founding democratic principles of representation and equality. Moreover, if Congress continues to keep Puerto Rico in a perpetually weak and underdeveloped status as a U.S. territory, it is ignoring a major threat to America’s national security interests and standing in Latin America, the Caribbean and worldwide.
As Chairman of the Committee with jurisdiction over this issue, you have the power to transform the gridlock on this issue into an opportunity for both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Therefore, we strongly urge you to build on the progress made in H.R. 2757, hold legislative hearings in the Committee to address substantive concerns, clarify ambiguous sections of that bill, and, if needed, present new legislation that can address this critical issue in a way that helps unleash Puerto Rico’s potential and strengthens America’s prosperity, security and global standing. Thank you in advance for your attention and efforts on this matter.
Sincerely,
George Laws García
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Statehood Council
Hon. Nellie Gorbea
Former Secretary of State
State of Rhode Island
Hon. José Aponte-Hernandez
Executive Director
Instituto Misión Estadista
Hon. Luz “Lucy” Arce
Chairwoman
Retirees for Statehood
Anthony Carrillo
President
National Puerto Rican Equality Coalition
Alfonso Pérez-Borroto
Founder
Puerto Rico Statehood Supporters DMV
Elisa Muñoz
Hispanic and Latinx Caucus Chair
Young Democrats of America
Aurelio Agelviz
President
Young Democrats of Puerto Rico
Jose Rosselló
Hispanic & Latin X Caucus Vice-Chair of Hispanic Outreach
Young Democrats of America
José Vázquez
President
Hillsborough County Caribbean Democratic Caucus
Irma Rodríguez
President
Puerto Rico Escogió Estadidad
Hon. Maria Rivera
Mayor
City of Central Falls, RI
Hon. José Garriga-Picó
Founder
SAVE PR: Society for American Values & Enlightenment
Annabel Guillén
President
Igualdad, Futuro Seguro
Nathaniel Morel
Secretary
National Puerto Rican Equality Coalition
Dr. Justin Vélez-Hagan, PhD
Founder
National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
Jay J. Rodriguez
National Chairman
Hispanic Republican Organization
Josué Rivera
Chairman
Puerto Rico Young Republican Federation
Hector Albertorio
National Committeeman
Puerto Rico Young Republican Federation
Ken Oliver
Director
U.S. Council for Puerto Rico Statehood
Jesús Pérez
Executive Director
52 States of America
Dr. Zayira Jordan
Founder
Frente Estadista
Javier de la Luz
Founder
Boricuas con Kamala
Hon. Milagros López
Founder & President
Votar es Poder
Keishla Rodíguez
President
Pro-Statehood Youth Organization
Julio Figueroa Carrillo
Treasurer
Retirees for Statehood
Jaime Fortuño
Founder
Civil Rights Coalition for Puerto Rico’s Statehood
Margarita Vives Acosts
President
PR 51 Guaynabo City
Gladys Romero Ramos
Member
PR 51 Guaynabo City
Rosa Irizarry
Member
PR 51 Guaynabo City
BG Victor Pérez, U.S. Army National Guard, Ret.
Chairman
Veterans for Puerto Rico Statehood
Zoraida Vélez
President
Statehood PR Now
Rosalinda Rivera
Secretary
Statehood PR Now
Ivan Gonzalez, CPA
President & Editor in Chief
Inside the Colony
Frank Arenal
Senior Private Sector Advisor
Puerto Rico Escogió Estadidad
Kevin Romero-Díaz
Founder & President
Institute for Statehood & Public Policy
Luis David Matos
President
Renacer Ideológico Estadista
César Méndez-Otero
President
Puerto Rican National Coalition for Rights & Equality
Ivette Chardón
Member (Ponce)
Puerto Rico Statehood Action Network
Yadira O’Farrill
Citizen Advocate
Georgians for Puerto Rico Statehood
Raul Eduardo Rosas (Veteran) Executive Director
LIFT A VET
Lt. Col. Dennis Freytes, U.S. Army, Ret.
Chief Coordinator
Patriots for U.S. Veterans – PR Equal Rights
Col. Carlos Quiñones, U.S. Air Force National Guard, Ret.
Leader, San Juan Area
Veterans for Puerto Rico Statehood
José Cabrera (Veteran)
Founder
Puerto Rico Star Project
Matthew Helder (Veteran)
Director
Puerto Rico Star Project
COL Luis Berrios-Amadeo, U.S. Army Reserves, Ret.
Former Shadow Congressman
Puerto Rico Equality Commission
Gumersindo Gómez (Veteran)
Executive Director
Bilingual Vets Outreach Center
SFC Angel Aponte, U.S. Army, Ret.
Commander
Puerto Rico Chapter Purple Heart Association
SSG Eugenio Matias, U.S. Army
Past Master
Respectable Lodge No. 25 (Luz de la Montaña)
CW4/W4 Nixon Rosado Vélez, U.S. Army, Ret.
Extended Delegate (Vega Baja)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
SSG Hector Ramos, U.S. Army, Ret.
Extended Delegate (San Juan)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Samuel Rodriguez (Veteran)
CEO
Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony National Committee
Sgt. Hugo Guzman, U.S. Army (Ret.)
President
True Freedom 51
Adalberto Rivera (Veteran)
Department Commander
Military Order of the World Wars
SFC Wilfredo Rivera, U.S. Army, Ret. (Gold Star Father)
President
IMPULSO 51
MG Antonio Vicens, U.S. Army National Guard, Ret.
BG Salvador Recio-Sanchez, U.S. Army National Guard, Ret.
COL Rafael Rodriguez-Mercado, U.S. Army
CSM Segundo Ferro, U.S. Army, Ret.
HMC Santos “Jay” Martinez, U.S. Navy, Ret.
SFC Jose O. Rivera, U.S. Army National Guard, Ret.
CW5 Carlos S. Quinones, U.S. Army, Ret. (Combat Veteran)
Member
Veterans for Puerto Rico Statehood
CPT Evelyn Ashbrook
U.S. Army Res. Extended Delegate (Virginia)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Abraham Garcia (Veteran)
Extended Delegate (Fajardo)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Michael Luciano (Veteran)
Extended Delegate Leader (Orlando) Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Evelyn Díaz Suarez (Veteran)
Extended Delegate (Arroyo)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Jesus Navarro
Extended Delegate (Orlando) Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Margarits Pagán
Team Leader (Kissimmee)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Windy Vega Pacheco
Extended Delegate (Dundee)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Cecille Pérez
Extended Delegate (Orlando)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Emmanuel Cortes
Extended Delegate (Tampa)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Yazmín Serrano
Extended Delegate (St. Cloud) Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Marilyn Diaz
Extended Delegate (Miami)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Roberto Delgado
Executive Director
Extended Congressional Delegation Puerto Rico
Dr. Jose A. Toro-Clarke
Florida State Co-Lead (Summerfield)
Extended Congressional Delegation Puerto Rico
Richard Santiago
Regional Leader (Davenport-Lakeland)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Luis García
Extended Delegate (Orlando)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Gladys Caraballo Pedraza
Extended Delegate (Kissimmee)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Luis Cruz
Extended Delegate (St. Cloud)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Manuel Balart
Regional Leader (Port St. Lucie)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Dr. Allan López
Extended Delegate (Miami)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Ignacio Ros
Extended Delegate (Atlanta)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Reina Echevarria Prieto
Extended Delegate (Clinton, MD)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Madeline Romero Millan
Extended Delegate (San Juan)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Dania Carpena
Extended Delegate (Cayey)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Gustavo Meza
Extended Delegate (San Juan)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
José Tanco
Municipal Vice President (Carolina)
New Party for Progress
Antonio Gonzalez
Member (Caguas)
Puerto Rico Statehood Action Network
Justo Morales Santiago
Citizen Advocate (Lakeland, FL)
Santos Martínez
Extended Delegate (Orlando)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Aida Prieto
Extended Delegate (Clinton, MD)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Ramon Vazquez
Extended Delegate (Elizabeth, NJ)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Vidal Hernández
Extended Delegate (San Juan)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Samuel Rivera
Extended Delegate (Juana Díaz)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Helen Denis-Wilkinson
Extended Delegate (Kent, WA)
Extended Congressional Delegation for Puerto Rico
Jose Cruz
Member (Bayamón)
New Party for Progress
Pedro Ponce de Leon
Member (San Juan)
New Party for Progress
Rodney Rios-Rodríguez
Citizen Advocate (Washington, DC)
Adolfo Méndez
Citizen Advocate (Arecibo, PR)
Ismael Olmeda
Citizen Advocate (Bayamón, PR)
Pedro Villafañe
Citizen Advocate (Vega Alta, PR)
Nestor Irrizary
Citizen Advocate (Lajas, PR)
Sylvia Benitez
Citizen Advocate (Carolina, PR)
Jesús Orona Marrero
Citizen Advocate (San Juan, PR)
Freddy Vélez García
Citizen Advocate (San Juan, PR)
Gabriel Wilkinson
Citizen Advocate (Kent, WA)
Justo Morales Santiago
Citizen Advocate (Lakeland, FL)
The Honorable Raúl M. Grijalva, Ranking Member, House Committee on Natural Resources
The Honorable Jenniffer González-Colón, Vice-Chair, House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs
The Honorable Mike Gallagher, Chairman, House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party
The Honorable Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member, House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party
The Honorable Mike Rogers, Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services
The Honorable Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Committee on Armed Services