In 1898 the United States obtained Puerto Rico after winning the Spanish-American War. Since then, PR has been a territory of the US without voting representation in Congress. The US government has made significant past efforts to silence Puerto Rican independence advocates, yet has passed legislation that has weakened the island's economy. Without representation, it is extremely difficult for Puerto Rico to assert its needs and interests. Amidst economic recession and hurricane recovery, it is clear that Puerto Rico needs a new solution. It should be up to Puerto Ricans to determine that solution. 

  In December 2022, the Puerto Rico Status Act passed the House with bipartisan support. This bill would give Puerto Ricans the right to choose between commonwealth status, statehood, or independence. The bill’s sponsors, which include Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Jenniffer González-Colón, and Pedro Pierluisi, say they need more support from the Senate and Republicans in the House.  

  We believe that Congress has the responsibility to allow Puerto Ricans to advocate for their future. We cannot claim we are a democracy while silencing so many people. These are our fellow Americans. Please sign in support of realizing the provisions of the Puerto Rico Status Act and getting more Congress members’ support.