FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2020
Contact: Comms@prstatehoodcouncil.org
Washington, D.C. – Tomorrow, November 3rd, along with the general election, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico will hold a “YES” or “NO” vote on statehood. This will be the sixth plebiscite held on the island’s political status, but the first ever on the question of statehood alone. Many lawmakers and former elected officials of both parties have come out in support of the statehood vote, urging voter participation and in many cases expressing their personal preference for statehood for Puerto Rico. This is of critical importance because ultimately Congress must approve federal legislation for Puerto Rico to become a state. Below are some of the recent statements of support.
Members of Congress
Rep. Rob Bishop, Ranking Member, House Natural Resources Committee (R-UT)
“I encourage you, every registered voter in Puerto Rico to embrace your civic duty and express your desire for the island’s future ‑‑‑relationship with the U.S. by voting in the status plebiscite. Congress needs to hear from you. Congress respects the legal process that has been set forth by the Puerto Rican Government in drafting this plebiscite, and only after we have had a chance to hear from the people of Puerto Rico directly can we move to resolve the status issue… And remember that voting YES would mean being on an equal footing with the rest of the 50 states. My fellow Americans, this November you have a real opportunity to make your voices heard here in the halls of Congress. Please vote. The future of Puerto Rico depends on it.” October 18, 2020
Watch Rep. Bishop’s testimonial video in favor of statehood here: https://fb.watch/1qQMKTCwZR/
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)
“This November you will have the opportunity to make history. You will make clear, for the first time in more than 100 years, if the majority of voters in Puerto Rico support admission as a state. This simple “YES” or “NO” question on statehood is of great importance to the future of the island and the U.S. It’s too important to stay on the sidelines. Vote. Support for statehood is growing. Now your fellow citizens need to hear directly from you. The American citizens of Puerto Rico have a long history of contributions and defense of our Nation. The moment to exercise your rights and vote has come.” October 7, 2020
Watch Sen. Rubio’s testimonial video in favor of statehood here: https://fb.watch/1qQLjJD2NQ/
Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
“As you know I personally support statehood for Puerto Rico because I think you deserve equality, democracy and a better standard of living. I think statehood is the best way for you to achieve all of those things. But I want to be clear, the choice is up to you, not me. What is most important is that you participate in this democratic process….This vote matters. Congress is paying close attention. If you, the people of Puerto Rico, confirm you want the territory to become a state, there are many members of Congress, both democrats and republicans, who will support legislation to add another star to the American flag. I will proudly be one of them.” October 9, 2020
Watch Rep. Murphy’s testimonial video in favor of statehood here: https://fb.watch/1qQOaJo7Bk/
Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL)
“Statehood would make a difference. Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, access to all of the services and all the big funds that every other person in a state enjoys. It’s important for…the citizens of Puerto Rico to be treated fairly, equitably. It’s up to you, on whether you want statehood or not. From my point of view all I can tell you is that Puerto Rico will get the resources it deserves as a state, it will have a lot more clout. And we want that star on the American flag. Good luck. It’s up to you, November 3rd.” October 14, 2020
Watch Rep. Shalala’s testimonial video in favor of statehood here: https://fb.watch/1qQJpSLz6U/
Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
“Puerto Ricans on the island have a great opportunity to improve your future on November 3rd. You can vote “YES” to statehood….With full representation, two Senators and four Representatives in Washington, myself, and other members of Puerto Rican heritage, we will help the island. This moment can change the future of all Americans on the island. This November 3rd I hope that you will vote “YES” for statehood.” October 9, 2020
Watch Rep. Soto’s testimonial video in favor of statehood here: https://fb.watch/1qQPwAMRIy/
Rep. José Serrano (D-NY)
“On Nov. 3, our fellow Americans residing in Puerto Rico will vote on whether to become a state. If they vote yes, we should admit them as a state to the union without delay. This position is supported by long-standing American principles of democracy and equality. We must recognize the right of Americans in Puerto Rico to choose their own future through plebiscites. We must also respect their request for equal representation in the U.S. Congress should they choose it.” October 18, 2020 (Orlando Sentinel)
Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (D-NY)
“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.” October 1, 2020 (Washington Examiner)
Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL)
“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.” September 18, 2020 (Twitter)
Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden
Vice President 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.” September 15, 2020 (AP Archives)
President Barack Obama
“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…” July 30, 2020 (The Atlantic)
The Puerto Rico Statehood Council is a Washington, D.C. based, non-partisan, 501(c)4 non-profit issue advocacy organization. We are dedicated to advancing the goal of achieving equality for the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico through statehood. To learn more please visit our website at: www.PR51st.com.
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