The Puerto Rico Status Act has three new sponsors in the House of Representatives, all of whom signed on this month.
Josh Gottheimer
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, has fought for equity for Puerto Rico in nutrition assistance and has been supported in his bid for Governor of New Jersey by Puerto Rican civic groups. He is chair of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, which works toward bipartisan solutions to problems, and is considered a centrist.
Gottheimer was also one of the congressional reps who spoke up for Puerto Rico after a comedian insulted the Island at a political rally. “Tony Hinchcliffe’s comment about Puerto Rico is not only offensive, but also deeply un-American, perpetuating harmful ignorance and disrespect.,” Rep. Gottheimer said on X. “NJ, proudly home to one of the nation’s largest Puerto Rican communities, stands as a testament to the resilience, patriotism, and contributions of Puerto Ricans who have long safeguarded America’s national security, bolstered our economy, and enriched our shared prosperity.”
Cory Mills
Rep. Cory Mills, a Republican from Florida, wrote on X, “I am honored to support the Puerto Rico Status Act as the 100th co-sponsor of HR 2757, which upholds the right of U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico to participate in a self-determination process. This legislation is a significant step forward, authorizing a federally sponsored plebiscite that gives Puerto Ricans the choice between independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. I am committed to this bill and look forward to supporting the choice of the Puerto Rican people. There has been a strong historic bond between Puerto Rico and the United States. The bottom line is that Puerto Ricans serve in the U.S. military, they deserve at least the option of statehood.”
Mills is one of the top 10 representatives ranked by the number of Puerto Ricans in their districts.
Rosa DeLauro
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, was one of the representatives who visited Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. “For my part, I will keep fighting to make Puerto Rico whole,” she said. “It is not just our obligation as a nation—it is our moral obligation.” She has continued to visit and to advocate for disaster recovery funding for the Island.
She has supported statehood for Puerto Rico for years.
We appreciate these fine legislators and the many others cosponsoring this important legislation. If your representatives have not yet cosponsored the bill, please remind them that you as one of their constituents want to see equality and justice for Puerto Rico through statehood.
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