June 30, 2019 VIA E-MAIL the Honorable

June 30, 2019 VIA E-MAIL

The Honorable Ricardo A. Rosselló Nevares Governor of Puerto Rico La Fortaleza PO BOX 9023431 San Juan, PR 00902-0082

The Honorable Thomas Rivera Schatz The Honorable Carlos J. “Johnny” Mendez Nuñez President Speaker Senate of Puerto Rico House of Representatives of Puerto Rico The Capitol The Capitol P.O. BOX 9023431 P.O. BOX 9023431 San Juan, PR 00902-3431 San Juan, PR 00902-3431

Dear Governor Rosselló, Speaker Mendez Nuñez and Senate President Rivera Schatz:

In accordance with Act No. 30-2017 Article 4, Section 2 (i), the PRSC respectfully submits its 2019 Annual Report to the Governor of Puerto Rico and the leadership of the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly, for your consideration and review.

We hope that this report is helpful in updating you about our progress advocating for Puerto Rico statehood. Recognizing that you may want additional information, beyond what is contained in this document, the PRSC would like to makes itself available to meet with you in Puerto Rico to discuss this further in person and answer any questions you may have related to the 2019 Annual Report and the work of the PRSC.

We thank you for your support, leadership and service to the island. We have faith that with your continuous support in this fight, Puerto Rico will become the 51st State of the Union.

Respectfully,

Hon. Pedro Rosselló Hon. Zoraida Fonalledas Chair Co-Chair Shadow Representative Shadow Senator Puerto Rico Statehood Commission Puerto Rico Statehood Commission

1100 17th Street N.W. Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036 Statehood4puertorico.com

PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD COMMISSION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

JUNE 2019

PUERTO RICO FEDERAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION — — — OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO HON. RICARDO ROSSELLÓ

1100 17th Street, N.W. Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20036

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR...... PAGE 3

INTRODUCTION……………………...... PAGE 5

COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS…...... PAGE 7

CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS...... PAGE 10

BROADENING STATEHOOD MOVEMENT...... PAGE 18

ENGAGING PRESS & MEDIA...... PAGE 25

CONCLUSION………………...... PAGE 28

APPENDICES...... PAGE 29

- Appendix A - Press Articles…………………………..……………………PAGE 30 - Appendix B - Editorial Boards & Opinion Editorials…...... PAGE 38 - Appendix C - Dear Colleague Letters…………………………………...PAGE 41 - Appendix D - Resolutions………………………………….………………PAGE 45 - Appendix E - Bill Text H.R. 1965 Puerto Rico Admission Act of 2019…………………………………………………………………….PAGE 53

I . LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

I.LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

June 30, 2019

Dear Governor, House Speaker, Senate President, and People of Puerto Rico,

As Puerto Rico has continued to rise to the top of the federal government’s legislative and policy agenda in various ways during the last year, the Puerto Rico Statehood Commission (PRSC) has worked to expose how the inherent inequality of the current territory status lies at the heart of many, if not all, of the island’s most pressing challenges.

Through sustained and coordinated advocacy efforts, the PRSC has worked to cultivate relationships and support among members of Congress. Our work has resulted in many victories, among which is the introduction of a statehood admission bill by Representative Darren Soto and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón. Moreover, we have strengthened relationships with key allies and garnered support from both sides of the aisle. It is undeniable that the issue of solving Puerto Rico’s political status is being discussed openly at the highest levels of government as well as in the media.

Our expanded reach in Washington has helped us voice, to key federal lawmakers, what has been obvious to many on the Island for decades, that unequal treatment in Medicare, Medicaid, nutritional assistance, access to housing, among many other colonial ailments would rapidly be solved if Puerto Rico were admitted as a state. Moreover, we have argued that admitting Puerto Rico as a state would not only improve life on the island, but would strengthen America as a whole.

We stand ready to continue fighting for equality for the 3.2 million Americans in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Statehood Commission will be key as Congress addresses the inherent flaws of our political relationship with the United States.

Sincerely,

Pedro Rosselló González Chairman

II.INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

The Puerto Rico Statehood Commission (PRSC) was established by virtue of Act No. 30- 2017 to serve as the Shadow Congressional Delegation of the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico with the goal of advocating for equality through statehood. As required by law, PRSC presents an annual report to the Governor of Puerto Rico, the President of the Senate of Puerto Rico, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico.

This document serves as the 2019 Annual Report and contains information on our extensive advocacy efforts, ranging from meetings with Members of Congress, media appearances, a town hall meeting held in Florida, engagement of international organizations, among many other activities. The report covers the period from July 2018 to June 2019.

In keeping with the PRSC’s commitment to transparency, these reports are considered public documents and are made available through the commission’s official website so that the public can remain informed of our efforts. We invite you to revisit the 2018 annual report in which you will find background information that will be useful in better understanding the progress we have made so far.1

The PRSC looks forward to continue informing you on our progress and engaging you in support of our movement.

1 2018 Annual Report, Puerto Rico Statehood Commission. Available at: http://statehood4puertorico.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Report-Puerto-Rico-Statehood- Commission-2018-Annual-Report-June-29-2018-FINAL.pdf 5

I II. COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION

III.COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION

COMPOSITION OF THE PRSC

The Puerto Rico Statehood Commission (PRSC), created under Puerto Rico law, serves as the Island’s shadow delegation to the U.S. Congress, as such it is comprised of two shadow U.S. Senators and five shadow U.S. Representatives. All members were appointed by Governor Ricardo Rosselló for their lifelong work towards achieving equality through statehood. Last year Shadow Rep. Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez left the PRSC in July 2018. Governor Rosselló then filled the vacancy appointing Retired U.S. Army Colonel Luis Berríos Amadeo.

The current PRSC members are: ! Shadow U.S. Senators, Hon. Carlos Romero Barceló (D-PR) and Hon. Zoraida Fonalledas (R-PR).

! Shadow U.S. Representatives, Hon. Pedro Rosselló González (D-PR), Hon. Luis Fortuño (R-PR), Hon. Charles Rodríguez (D-PR), Hon. Alfonso Aguilar (R-PR) and Hon. Luis Berríos Amadeo (I-PR).

HON. LUIS BERRÍOS AMADEO (I-PR) Shadow Representative, U.S. House of Representatives

Throughout his career, Mr. Berríos-Amadeo has held with distinction important public and private positions including: Deputy Racing Administrator for Puerto Rico (1970-1972); Attorney, General Litigation Division, Department of Justice of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (1972-1973); Chairman, Public Service Commission of Puerto Rico (1977- 1979); Member: Puerto Rico Labor Relations Board (1981- 1984); Puerto Rico Racing Board (1982-1984), counsel for Senator Pedro Rosselló, Senate of Puerto Rico (2005-2009); counsel for Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puerto Rico (2005-2009); counsel for the President of the Senate, Thomas Rivera Schatz, Puerto Rico (2009-2013); Member: Board of Directors of Puerto Rico Public Partnership Authority (2009-2012); Member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, University of Puerto Rico (2010-2013); counsel for the Minority Leader of the Senate, Larry Seilhamer, Puerto Rico (2013-2016); Counsel for the Vice-President of the Senate, Larry Seilhamer (January 2017-present); Member and Secretary of the Governing Board, University of Puerto Rico (August 2017-December 2018); Member: Puerto Rico Lawyers Association; American Bar Association; Member: The University Club of Washington, D.C.; U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador for Puerto Rico, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve, Washington, D.C. (1998-2018); Colonel USA, retired.

III.COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION

STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF THE PRSC While the structure of the PRSC has remained largely the same since last year, there were significant efforts to ensure that the Governor, Legislative Leadership and the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico at large have greater visibility and awareness regarding the efforts of the Commission. The PRSC’s 2018 Annual Report was sent to the Governor and Legislative Leaders last June, and was subsequently

Figure 1 - Meeting of PRSC with Gov. Ricardo Rosselló to brief him on the published on the PRSC website 2018 Annual Report and next steps going forward. and disseminated publicly through social media.

Going beyond the written report the PRSC carried out in person briefings with both Governor Ricardo Rosselló and with the Leaders of the state Legislature. The briefings focused on the progress of the PRSC to date and next steps going forward.

It is important to mention that the work of the PRSC has been carried out without a dedicated appropriation of public funds. All expenditures incurred by the PRSC members in their official capacity have been paid for by each of them individually. The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration continues providing support and assistance to the PRSC, and serves as its base of operations.

Figure 2 - PRSC Meeting with the President of the Senate, Hon. Thómas Rivera Schatz, and Speaker of the House, Hon. Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, as well as other Members of the Puerto Rico House and Senate in August 2018. Source: Twitter

I V .CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS

IV. CONGRESIONAL EFFORTS

PRESSING CONGRESS FOR ACTION ON EQUALITY FOR PUERTO RICO: FROM 115TH TO 116TH CONGRESS

During the second half of 2018 and the first half of 2019 the PRSC has continued to actively engage Members of Congress in both chambers securing support in the quest to make Puerto Rico the 51st state of the Union.

On June 27, 2018 Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón introduced H.R. 6248, the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act of 2018, as bipartisan legislation with the full support of Gov. Ricardo Rosselló and the PRSC. For the remainder of the 115th Congress the PRSC focused all of its efforts to raise awareness of and obtain co-sponsors for this bill. Figure 3 - H.R. 6246, Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress. Working hand in hand with the Resident Commissioner and the Governor, the PRSC helped achieved a total of 58 cosponsors for this legislation by the end of 2018. Among the cosponsors were 32 Democrats and 26 Republicans. Although past Puerto Rico statehood admission bills, like H.R. 2000 in the 113th Congress and H.R. 727 in the 114th Congress, had obtained a larger total number of cosponsors the efforts on H.R. 6248 achieved the most bipartisan cosponsor support for a Puerto Rico statehood admission bill in history. The 26 House Republican Members that cosponsored this bill represent an 85% increase over the 14 House Republican Members that were obtained as cosponsors in the most recent bipartisan statehood admission bill for Puerto Rico, H.R. 727.

Figure 4 - PRSC members joining Gov. Rosselló and Rep. The significance of this accomplishment González-Colón at the introduction of H.R. 6248. House Natural cannot be underestimated because it Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop expressing strong support for statehood for Puerto Rico and becoming an original took place at a time when Republicans cosponsor for that bill. Source: Twitter were the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives, Resident Commi- ssioner González-Colón was part of that House majority, and three PRSC members, Shadow Sen. Fonalledas, Shadow Rep. Fortuño and Shadow Rep. Aguilar, all 10

IV. CONGRESIONAL EFFORTS focused exclusively on Republicans in their advocacy efforts. It also serves as proof that support for statehood for Puerto Rico in Congress is growing in a bipartisan way that increases its potential for eventual legislative success. Moreover, supporters of the bill included then Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), which has direct jurisdiction over Puerto Rico’s political status.

Innovative Approaches to Member Engagement

PRSC efforts have sought to engage members of Congress in multiple direct and indirect ways. Last July (2018) the PRSC took an innovative approach for such an engagement by taking advantage of the fact that the Major League Baseball was hosting its annual All Star Game in Washington, D.C. Featuring Shadow U.S. Representative and Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez as the main attraction, the PRSC worked hand in hand with Resident Commissioner González-Colón to Figure 5 - Former Shadow Rep. "Pudge" Rodríguez and host the “Say Yes to Puerto Rico Baseball Shadow Rep. Rosselló with Rep. González-Colón and Meet and Greet” event. Over 30 members House Republican Majority Whip Scalise. of Congress attended the event invited jointly by the PRSC and Resident Commissioner González-Colón. “Pudge” signed baseballs with the message “Say Yes to Puerto Rico,” while him and other Shadow Representatives spoke to Members of Congress about baseball and statehood for Puerto Rico.

The PRSC also hosted the first-ever Statehood Staff Briefing, aimed at further educating congressional staffers of Puerto Rico’s unequal treatment in federal programs and the imperative need for equality through statehood as a solution Figure 6 - Shadow Reps. Rosselló and Fortuño join Rep. González-Colón to brief the many problems Congressional staff from House and Senate. faced by island residents. The standing room only briefing reached staff from over 40 offices of both House and Senate. The briefing also served as an opportunity to

IV. CONGRESIONAL EFFORTS answer questions and engage in meaningful dialogue on the substantive policy issues regarding the current territory status and the statehood admission process.

The Commission’s advocacy efforts, including briefings, member and staff meetings, among other events, garnered support from members as well as key players for statehood. Furthermore, PRSC’s educated stakeholders on the results of the 2017 political status plebiscite in which an overwhelming majority supported ending Puerto Rico’s colonial status in favor of equality through statehood. Figure 7 – PRSC Chair Rosselló meeting with then House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl Building on the co-sponsorship of then Grijalva. House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop for H.R. 6248, the PRSC continued efforts to secure bipartisan support for Puerto Rico statehood. Toward this end, PRSC Chairman Pedro Rosselló met with the Ranking Member of House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D- AZ).

Last July the PRSC sent a Dear Colleague letter commemorating Independence Day to all 100 Senators and 441 Representatives. Drawing a direct parallel between the anti- colonial goals of the American Revolution, and the anti-territorial goals of the Puerto Rico’s statehood movement. The letter informed Senators and Representatives of the unique opportunity to fulfill the promises laid out by the nation’s Founding Fathers to bring about government by the consent of the governed. In that spirit, the PRSC requested support for the Puerto Rico Figure 8 – PRSC Independence Day Dear Colleague Letter Admission Act of 2018. to U.S. House and Senate.

Engaging Voters Ahead of 2018 Mid-Term Elections

Recognizing the importance of the 2018 Mid-Term Congressional elections to Puerto Rico’s present and future, on October 24, 2018, the PRSC, alongside Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, hosted the first-ever Statehood Town Hall Meeting in the critical

IV. CONGRESIONAL EFFORTS battleground state of Florida. The event, co-hosted by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Puerto Rican Professional Association of Florida (PROFESA), served to highlighted the importance of voter participation in U.S. mid-term elections. It also served to inform and educate voters on the need to end Puerto Rico’s territorial status and the results of the 2012 and 2017 political status votes where statehood was chosen as the means to definitively resolve the island’s more than century old problem of political disenfranchisement. The proximity of the 2018 midterms allowed the PRSC to emphasize the fact that Puerto Ricans and Hispanic U.S. citizens on the mainland are entitled to voting rights at the federal level which gives them the power to fully participate in the political process and in that way help to create real change in Puerto Rico’s political status.

Figure 9 - Gov. Rosselló and PRSC members speak at the Puerto Rico Statehood Town Hall Event in Miami, FL October 2018. The event was held in a “town hall” format where Gov. Rosselló and members of the PRSC offered brief presentations and then engage the audience in a constructive dialogue. At the event were legislators from the Florida House and Senate, leaders from the Florida Puerto Rican community, and other allies from the broader Hispanic community.

Building Momentum in the 116th Congress

After the 2018 Mid-Term elections where the Democratic Party took the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Republican Party kept and expanded its majority in the U.S. Senate, the PRSC has been hard at work to engage new members of Congress and continue building momentum and support for Puerto Rico statehood. 13

IV. CONGRESIONAL EFFORTS

Starting in January 2019 PRSC members have traveled regularly to Washington, D.C. and held to meetings with Members of Congress, Congressional staff and Administration officials to continue to advocate on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico. As of June 30, 2019, the PRSC has met with 74 Members of Congress and

Congressional offices in both Figure 10 - January 2019 PRSC Shadow Sen. Fonalledas and Shadow Rep. the U.S. House and Senate. Fortuño join Rep. González-Colón to meet with Sen. Mitt Romney.

The table below shows the exact number of Congressional meetings held by the PRSC by chamber and national party. It also indicates the percentage of each chamber that has been impacted so far this year.

U.S. House of U.S. Senate Representatives Meetings with 36 1 Democrats Meetings with 26 11 Republicans Total Meetings 62 12 Held Percentage of Chamber 14.2% 12% Impacted

Given the surging interest from Congressional offices for information on Puerto Rico’s efforts to end the unequal territorial status through statehood, in February 2018 the PRSC partnered again with Rep. González-Colón to hold another Congressional staff briefing. Over 30 offices participated at the event where the Resident Commissioners and the PRSC members discussed the ways the current territory hurts vulnerable populations like children, elderly and veterans, and the need for statehood to address this inequality and help Puerto Rico achieve sustained economic growth and prosperity.

IV. CONGRESIONAL EFFORTS

Figure 11 - February 2019, PRSC Commissioners Fonalledas, Rodriguez and Berrios join Rep. González-Colón to brief Congressional staff on statehood for Puerto Rico.

The following month, in commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of U.S. citizenship being extended to Puerto Ricans the PRSC sent another “Dear Colleague” letter to all 100 Senators and 441 Members of the House. The PRSC again called on Congress to end Puerto Rico’s undemocratic and unequal territorial status, advocating for equal rights and responsibilities for U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico, which are only possible through statehood.

The PRSC is committed to endorsing and supporting any current or future legislation in the 116th Congress that recognizes the will of the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico and provide statehood to Puerto Rico.

On March 28, 2019, Rep. Daren Soto (D-FL) introduced a bill to grant statehood to Puerto Rico within 90 days from its enactment without the need for any further votes.2 PRSC members joined Rep. Soto, Figure 12 - PRSC Dear Colleague letter to U.S. House and a bipartisan group of House members and Senate on 100th Anniversary of U.S. Citizenship in Washington, DC, as he announced the for People of Puerto Rico. bill’s introduction. Up to now Rep. Soto’s bill

2 See Appendix H. Bill Text H.R. 1965 Puerto Rico Admission Act, March 28, 2019. 15

IV. CONGRESIONAL EFFORTS has garnered the support of 18 co-sponsors of which 14 are Democrats and 4 Republicans.

As the 116th Congress advances, the PRSC continues working to get attention and action in Congress. The work is not easy or automatic, but the sustained efforts of the PRSC are having a discernible impact in Congress. This is particularly important as Congress works to address the significant changes in the national political landscape as well as in the conditions of the Figure 13 - On March 28, 2019 Rep. Soto introduces H.R. 1965 in front of the U.S. Capitol accompanied by Gov. Rosselló, Rep. territory that present a unique González-Colón, PRSC Members Aguilar and Berrios, Sen. Rios, and window of opportunity to other House Members. Source: Twitter. definitively end Puerto Rico’s territorial status and put the island on a definitive path to statehood. The goal of the PRSC is to work hand in hand with the Resident Commissioner, the Governor and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration to maximize our chances of success in this century long cause.

Figure 14 - PRSC Shadow Sen. Fonalledas and Shadow Rep. Fortuño together with Rep. González-Colón met with Sen. Rick Scott.

V .BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT

V . BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT

BEYOND CONGRESSIONAL ADVOCACY

Only the U.S. Congress has the power to change a U.S. territory’s political status yet support for legislation is often achieved outside the halls of Congress. Advocacy therefore plays a pivotal role in generating public support that is vital in advancing any legislative measure in Washington.

Engaging International Organizations

The PRSC has engaged international organizations with the goal of increasing the pressure on the U.S. Congress and the federal Executive Branch to act on the mandate of voters in Puerto Rico who have voted twice in the last seven years to end the current territory status and in support of statehood for Puerto Rico.

On September 20, 2018 PRSC Shadow Reps. Rosselló and Berrios, joined Gov. Ricardo Rosselló in a meeting with the Secretary General of Amnesty International Kumi Naidoo and representatives of the Puerto Rico Chapter of that organization. The PRSC members called on Amnesty International to denounce the human and civil rights violations impacting the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico because of the U.S. federal government’s failure to address their rejection of the current colonial territory governance regime and the desire of island voters for full and equal rights and responsibilities through statehood.

Figure 15 - PRSC Shadow Reps. Rosselló and Berrios join Gov. Rosselló in a meeting with the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Kumi Naidoo. Source: Twitter On October 5, 2018, PRSC Chairman, Pedro Rossell ó González, testified before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (ICHAR) in the longstanding case of Rosselló v. United States.3 This case, originally filed in 2006, is only now reaching the final deliberation before the IACHR issues a decision or merits report.

3 Rosselló v. United States- Voting Rights in U.S. Territories, Equal Rights Now, http://www.equalrightsnow.org/rossello, June 2019

V . BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT Chairman Rosselló argued that by denying U.S. citizens in the territories voting representation in the federal government, the United States is violating its international law obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, and requested that the IACHR hold the U.S. federal government accountable.

The PRSC keeps working to expand the advocacy efforts of the statehood movement beyond the usual forums of Washington, DC. The Commission is actively developing and implementing several strategies and alliances detailed below.

Figure 16 - PRSC Chairman, Hon. Pedro Rosselló, testifies before the Inter- American Commission on Human Rights. Building External Alliances & Support

In the past year the PRSC has continued to reach out to and engage outside organizations in strategic alliances to broaden the support for Puerto Rico statehood by leveraging the attention and growing national political importance of Puerto Rico.

Shadow Rep. Charles Rodriguez has focused efforts on reaching out to Puerto Ricans and other Hispanic allies in central Florida encouraging them to use their swing state voting power to push Congressional and Presidential

Figure 17 - Shadow Rep. Charles Rodriguez featured in Centro Tampa Newspaper October 5, 2018. Image Courtesy of Centro Tampa. candidates to support statehood for Puerto Rico. As a result of these efforts on June 20, 2019, the Tampa City Council approved a resolution in support of statehood for Puerto Rico by a unanimous vote of 7-0.

V . BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT For his part Shadow Rep. Luis Fortuño worked in collaboration with Washington State Rep. Drew Stokesbary encouraging and supporting his efforts to introduce House Joint Memorial (HJM) 4009.4 The legislation calls on the U.S. Congress to honor the will of the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico and sends a message that the time has come for them to consider incorporating Puerto Rico into the union as the 51st state.5

Shadow Rep. Alfonso Aguilar has continued working on developing the Puerto Rico Statehood Coalition. Last year his efforts contributed to the passage of resolutions in support of statehood for Puerto Rico by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)6. Rep. Aguilar has also

Figure 19 - Washington State Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-31) introduced a joint memorial supporting Puerto Rico as the 51st state on February 11, 2019. Image Courtesy of Washington State House Republicans. worked with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) who also passed a resolution in support of statehood for Puerto Rico July 20187, and as recent as May 2019 met with and briefed approximately 100 LULAC advocates visiting the U.S. Congress to address Puerto Rico policy issues including the pressing need to end the current territory status and support statehood.

Through these efforts the PRSC is amplifying our message to a wider, Figure 18 - LULAC Resolution to Advocate for Puerto Rico's U.S. Statehood, July 21, 2018. Image Courtesy of LULAC. 4 See Appendix E. Bill Text HJM 4009, February 11, 2019. 5 Press Release. Washington State Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-31). February 11, 2019. http://drewstokesbary.houserepublicans.wa.gov/2019/02/11/stokesbary-introduces-joint-memorial-supporting- puerto-rico-as-51st-state/ 6 Although a controversy was raised regarding the NAACP’s endorsement of statehood after their July 2018 National Convention in San Antonio, in October 2018 the NAACP’s National Board officially re-affirmed its strong support for statehood for Puerto Rico. See here: https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/politica/nota/lanaacpdecidemantenerrespaldoalaestadidad-2454229/ 7 See Appendix E. LULAC Resolution to Advocate for Puerto Rico’s U.S. Statehood, July 21, 2018.

V . BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT national audience and generating long-sought support for equality through statehood in oftentimes-unexpected places. These efforts help press the U.S. Congress to act by letting members know that state and local officials, and many of their constituents also support equal rights and responsibilities for the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico.

Changing the National Opinion

As stated in the PRSC’s 2018 Annual Report, one of the Commission’s goals is to raise the profile of Puerto Rico statehood at the national level and in doing so to influence national opinion in favor of statehood. To measure the Puerto Rico statehood movement’s progress toward this goal the PRSC has been closely tracking statewide and national polling data on the issue of Puerto Rico statehood.

During the past year a number of polls have consistently shown strong support for statehood for Puerto Rico in key states with large Puerto Rican populations like Florida and, to the surprise of many, New York.8 Given the increasing attention to the upcoming 2020 elections, its important to highlight that among the growing number of Puerto Rican voters in the critical swing state of Florida poll data shows over 80% indicate that a Presidential candidate’s support for Puerto Rico Figure 20 - Article highlighting overwhelming support for statehood among Puerto Ricans in New York from May statehood is important to them as they 22, 2019. Image Courtesy of Politico. weigh their support among presidential candidates.

Moreover, recently released nationwide polling data shows a growing level of support for Puerto Rico statehood among the U.S. general Figure 21 - March 2019 Puerto Rican Diaspora Poll Showing over 80% support for public. statehood among likely 2020 voters in key swing state of Florida. Image courtesy of Politico.

8 Goldenberg, Sally. “Puerto Ricans in New York overwhelmingly support statehood, new poll finds,” Politico Pro. May 22, 2019. See also: “Puerto Rican Diaspora Poll” which was conducted March 12-20, 2019 among likely November 2020 Puerto Rican voters in Florida. https://www.politico.com/states/f/?id=00000169-e91a-d015-a36d- eb1bed6e0001 21

V . BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT A January 2018 national poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports, a major opinion polling organization, reported that an increasing number of Americans approve of statehood for Puerto Rico.9 When asked “Should Puerto Rico be a state?”, 47% said yes. 19% were not sure, so the number saying no to Puerto Rico as the 51st state was just 34%. This shows a trend of increase in support compared to March 2017 when 40% of respondents favored statehood for Puerto Rico, and 33% who said yes in 2015.

Reinforcing these findings, a recent poll from Data for Progress showed that a majority of 53% of Americans support statehood for Puerto Rico.10 The poll also showed that there was significantly more support for Puerto Rico statehood than for D.C. statehood.

Consistent with those findings another national survey conducted April 2019 found that 53% of Figure 22 - Table comparing support for D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood, which Americans support making shows a majority of Americans support Puerto Rico statehood. Table Courtesy Puerto Rico a state with of Data for Progress. only a quarter indicating they are opposed.11 However, when asked if every American including those living in places not currently recognized as states such as Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C should have full representation in Congress 75% expressed their support.

In sum, these polls present evidence of a trend of increasing support in national opinion in favor of statehood for Puerto Rico. In turn Members of Congress, their primary and general election challengers, as well as Presidential candidates, are paying attention to the mounting data in support of Puerto Rico statehood. Over time this makes it harder for the opponents of statehood, who are becoming increasingly out of touch with the sentiment of the American public, it creates

9 Rassmussen Reports. “Americans More Receptive to Puerto Rico as a State Than D.C.” January 23, 2018. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2018/americans_more_recepti ve_to_puerto_rico_as_a_state_than_d_c 10 Data for Progress. “The Public Supports Statehood for D.C. and Puerto Rico,” March 13, 2019. https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2019/2/28/the-public-supports-statehood-for-dc-and-puerto-rico 11 Navigator Research. “How to Talk About Political Reform,” April 19, 2019. https://navigatorresearch.org/wp- content/uploads/2019/04/Navigator-April-Poll.pdf

V . BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT pressure for those without an opinion on the issue to take a stand in favor of it, and emboldens statehood supporters to become more vocal and active on the issue. The PRSC is working to ensure that this polling data is well known in the U.S. Congress, among Congressional candidates and Presidential candidates. The goal is to not only help inform their policy positions on the Puerto Rico statehood issue as candidates, but ultimately as lawmakers.

Technology for Digital Engagement & Advocacy

The PRSC has continued to work to develop better technology platforms to provide engagement opportunities for activists and allies to stay up to date on the developments of our cause and take meaningful actions remotely or in person when it matters the most. As part of those efforts, in March 2019 the PRSC launched a new Change.org online petition calling on President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress “to support the admission of Puerto Rico as a state of the Union.12

With this petition, the PRSC has obtained the support of over 4,800 advocates from across the entire U.S. who signed up to make their voices heard on this issue. Empowering grassroots advocates to express their support for statehood for Puerto Rico expands the reach of our movement, raises awareness and develops allies in unexpected places who can be further engaged in the future to take additional actions.

Figure 23 - PRSC petition on Change.org with over 4,800 signatures as of June 2019. Image courtesy of Change.org.

12 Puerto Rico Statehood Commission. Online Petition “Admit Puerto Rico as a State of the Union,” Change.org. https://www.change.org/p/donald-j-trump-admit-puerto-rico-as-a-state-of-the-union 23

V . BROADENING THE PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT

VI.ENGAGING PRESS & MEDIA

VIV . .BROADENINGENGAGING PRESS THE PUERTOAND MEDIA RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT National News Coverage Over the last year, the Puerto Rico Statehood Commission has been carrying out an important educational campaign with reporters on the topic of Puerto Rico statehood. These important interactions have generated strong national news coverage of Puerto Rico statehood.13

Editorial Coverage As part of the educational campaign, the Puerto Rico Statehood Commission has been working alongside reporters of The Washington Post as well as other major publications and media outlets so that their views and stories reflect the need for a political status change and that a majority of Puerto Ricans support statehood. As a result, Figure 24 - Washington Post Article from June 27, 2018. Image Courtesy of the Commission drew Washington Post. significant attention from the Washington Post this year, which published several articles on statehood and how Puerto Rico is harmed due to its status as a U.S. territory. The Post’s Editorial Board published a piece in March supportive of Puerto Rico and critical of the administration’s treatment of the island. In addition, The Editorial Boards of the Boston Globe and the Orlando Sentinel also published pieces favoring statehood.

Political Environment Besides the media, politicians have also been increasingly vocal in their support of Figure 25 - Boston Globe Editorial Board, September 18, 2018. Image statehood, which drove Courtesy of Boston Globe.

13 See Appendix A. 25

VIV . .BROADENINGENGAGING PRESS THE PUERTOAND MEDIA RICO STATEHOOD MOVEMENT additional positive coverage. It is important to highlight that the Puerto Rico Statehood Commission, as a result of its meetings with members of Congress, has been instrumental in the evident change of the political climate.

When Rep. Darren Soto, alongside members of the Commission and Resident Commissioner González-Colón, introduced a bill supporting statehood for the island, the press looked at the issue with renewed interest. In remarks around the bill drop, he notably said, "Puerto Ricans need their own U.S. senators and representatives to fight for their needs,” and “Puerto Rico’s colonial status in not working,” providing useful soundbites for media. Legislative actions such as this are helpful for spurring positive media coverage and draw attention to the inequalities faced by island residents.

Figure 26 - Shadow Sen. Carlos Romero Barceló Legislators like Senator Brian Schatz have speaking to national Hispanic media outlet during leveraged their large social media following to the PRSC Statehood Townhall event in Mami, FL. amplify the benefits of statehood, which has raised the profile of the issue and brought it into the national conversation.

Figure 27 - Statement from Sen. Brian Schats (D-HI) recognizing the importance that addressing statehood for Puerto Rico has for disaster recovery. Source: Twitter.

VII. CONCLUSION

V II.CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

The PRSC must continue to expand its broad-based movement in support of Puerto Rico statehood, not just the passage of a specific law or bill. The movement must capture the hearts of the American people by making Puerto Rico’s lack of equal treatment and the Statehood aspiration, a national American issue. This is achieved by making sure that the Federal Government (Executive, Legislative, Judicial branches) recognizes that grating Statehood for Puerto Rico is about restoring basic principles that guide American Democracy stated in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

That Declaration states, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness .-- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”.

The fight for Puerto Rico Statehood is a human and civil rights issue, and it must be treated as such. Over 3.2 million Americans in Puerto Rico today lack voting representation in Congress and cannot vote for their Commander-in-Chief. Undoubtedly, the failed experiment of Puerto Rico’s undemocratic and unequal current territorial status reflects the fact that colonialism is the unfinished business of American democracy. The PRSC is committed to making sure this century old issue is finally and definitively resolved in favor of full equality and true democracy.

VIII.APPENDICES

Appendix A - Press Articles

June 27, 2018 - Puerto Rico introduces bill in Congress seeking statehood by 2021 CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/puerto-rico-bill-seeking-statehood-today-2018-06-27/ ● Article on statehood in general ● Proposed bill

June 27, 2018 - Puerto Rico pushes for statehood, calling it a civil rights issue The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/puerto-rico-pushes-for-statehood-calling- it-a-civil-rights-issue/2018/06/27/717c5092-7a43-11e8-93cc- 6d3beccdd7a3_story.html?utm_term=.9472fffd4311 ● Article mentions Statehood Commission ● Proposed bill

June 28, 2018 - Bipartisan Bipartisan Bill Seeks To Make Puerto Rico The 51st U.S. State By 2021 HuffPost https://www.huffpost.com/entry/puerto-rico-statehood-bipartisan- bill_n_5b347d5fe4b0b745f17ac7a9 ● Article about statehood in general

June 28, 2018 - Puerto Rico pushes for statehood by 2021 CNN https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/28/politics/puerto-rico-statehood-bill/index.html • Article about statehood in general

June 28, 2018 - Puerto Rico statehood admission bill introduced Carribean Business https://caribbeanbusiness.com/puerto-rico-statehood-admission-bill-introduced/ ● Article mentions Statehood Commission ● Proposed bill

July 19, 2018 - NAACP statehood statement leaves Puerto Ricans perplexed The Hill https://thehill.com/latino/397862-naacp-rescinds-its-support-of-puerto-rican-statehood ● Article mentions Statehood Commission

VIII.APPENDICES

August 6, 2018 - Should Puerto Rico Become A State? One Expert Has The Answer. https://www.dailywire.com/news/34070/should-puerto-rico-become-state-one-expert- has-jacob-airey ● Article talks about statehood in general

August 30, 2018 - Puerto Rico death toll comes as statehood support rises People’s World https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/puerto-rico-death-toll-figure-comes-as- statehood-support-rises/ ● Article talks about statehood in general ● Proposed bill

September 16, 2018 - Puerto Rico governor: ‘We need to solve the century old problem of colonialism’ CNN https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/15/politics/puerto-rico-hurricane-governor- cnntv/index.html ● Article about statehood in general

September 19, 2018 - Puerto Rico governor asks Trump to consider statehood The Hill https://thehill.com/latino/407494-puerto-rico-governor-asks-trump-to-consider- statehood • Article on statehood in general

September 24, 2018 - Trump an ‘absolute no’ on Puerto Rico statehood because of San Juan’s ‘horror show’ of a mayor The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-an-absolute-no-on-puerto-rico- statehood-because-of-san-juans-horror-show-of-a-mayor/2018/09/24/897ec214-c021- 11e8-9005-5104e9616c21_story.html?utm_term=.0440f3f5f8d9 • Article on statehood in general

September 24, 2018 – Puerto Rico’s push for statehood, explained https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/1/11/15782544/puerto-rico-pushes-for- statehood-explained • Article on statehood in general

September 25, 2018 - Will Puerto Rico become a US state? Trump says not as long as San Juan mayor is in office Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/will-puerto-rico-become-us-state-trump-says-not-long- san-juan-mayor-office-1137474

VIII.APPENDICES

● Article about statehood in general

October 1, 2018 - Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello on Hurricane Maria: I own up to my mistakes Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/puerto-rico-rossello-maria-mistakes-trump-statehood- 1145485 ● Interview with Governor Rossello that mentions statehood

October 5, 2018 - Puerto Rico governor, government officials advocate for voting rights in Boulder hearing Daily Camera (Boulder are news) https://www.dailycamera.com/2018/10/05/puerto-rico-governor-government-officials- advocate-for-voting-rights-in-boulder-hearing/ ● Article on statehood in general

October 16, 2018 - The Question of Puerto Rican Statehood, One Year After Hurrican Maria Panoramas https://www.panoramas.pitt.edu/economy-and-development/question-puerto-rican- statehood-one-year-after-hurricane-maria ● Article talks about statehood in general

October 26, 2018 - Puerto Rico’s governor wants statehood. He thinks Florida is the key to getting it. Miami Herald https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/article220635460.html ● Article mentions Statehood Commission ● Article on statehood in general

November 23, 2018 - Puerto Rico gov backs statehood referendum The Philadelphia Tribune https://www.phillytrib.com/puerto-rico-gov-backs-statehood- referendum/article_80e2c022-fa3b-5e70-b223-07b4e9870e23.html ● Article on statehood in general

December 18, 2019 - Will Rick Scott follow through on health care, Puerto Rico promises? https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-rick-scott-senate-campaign-promises- 20181214-story,amp.html

● Article on statehood in general January 8, 2019 - Puerto Rico House speaker: Statehood must be a priority in U.S. Congress’ agenda Carribean Business 32

VIII.APPENDICES https://caribbeanbusiness.com/puerto-rico-house-speaker-statehood-for-puerto-rico- must-be-in-the-116th-congress-agenda/ ● Article on statehood in general

February 3, 2019 - Puerto Rico statehood supporters pin hopes on House action The Hill https://thehill.com/latino/428158-puerto-rico-statehood-supporters-pin-hopes-on- house-action ● Article mentions Statehood Commission

February 11, 2019 – Stokesbary introduces joint memorial supporting Puerto Rico as 51st state http://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/rep-stokesbary-introduces-joint-memorial- supporting-puerto-rico-as-51st-state/ ● Article mentions Statehood Commission

February 22, 2019 - Puerto Rico governor says 2020 Democrats must support statehood Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-puertorico/puerto-rico-governor-says- 2020-democrats-must-support-statehood-idUSKCN1QB2A4 ● About statehood in general

February 27, 2019 - Puerto Rico emerges as 2020 campaign hotspot https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/27/puerto-rico-2020-1194114 ● About statehood in general

March 5, 2019 - Puerto Rico’s Statehood Commission Promotes Online Petition to President Trump Latino Rebels https://www.latinorebels.com/2019/03/05/statehoodpetition/ ● Article mentions Statehood Commission

March 6, 2019 - Shadow Congressional Delegation Urges Congress, Trump to Admit Puerto Rico as a state Carribean Business https://caribbeanbusiness.com/shadow-congressional-delegation-urges-congress- trump-to-admit-puerto-rico-as-a-state/ ● Article about Statehood Commission

March 26, 2019 - The Trump Administration has turned bigotry into policy in Puerto Rico The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-trump-administration-has-turned- bigotry-into-policy-in-puerto-rico/2019/03/26/f1baae3c-4ffb-11e9-88a1- ed346f0ec94f_story.html?utm_term=.922353491d4a

VIII.APPENDICES

● Article discusses how PR sees less aid because they do not have state status

March 28, 2019 - 50 or 51 States? Lawmakers to introduce bill granting Puerto Rico statehood WVLT 8 Knoxville, TN https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/50-or-51-States-Lawmakers-to-introduce-bill- granting-Puerto-Rico-statehood-507770151.html ● Article mentions Statehood Commission ● Proposed bill

March 28, 2019 - U.S. lawmakers unveil bill to make Puerto Rico the 51st state, as Trump escalates feud with island officials The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2019/03/28/us-lawmakers-unveil-bill- make-puerto-rico-st-state-trump-escalates-feud-with-island- officials/?utm_term=.ce50326d0ffe ● Article on statehood in general ● Proposed bill

March 28, 2019 - Lawmakers introduce Puerto Rico statehood bill: "It's time to end 120 years of colonialism" CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/statehood-for-puerto-rico-lawmakers-to-introduce- bill-granting-puerto-rico-statehood-bypassing-any-referendum/ ● Article on statehood in general ● Proposed bill

March 28, 2019 - House lawmakers push for Puerto Rico statehood amid disaster relief debate CNN https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/28/politics/house-puerto-rico-statehood/index.html ● Article about statehood in general

March 28, 2019 - Bipartisan pair introduces Puerto Rico statehood bill in Congress Washington Examiner https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/bipartisan-group-introduced-puerto- rico-statehood-bill-in-congress ● Article about statehood in general

March 28, 2019 - Rep. Darren Soto pushes for Puerto Rico statehood with new bill NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/rep-darren-soto-pushes-puerto-rico- statehood-new-bill-n988476 ● Article about statehood in general

VIII.APPENDICES

March 28, 2019 - Statehood bill could make Puerto Rico a state before 2020 The Hill https://thehill.com/latino/436304-statehood-bill-could-make-puerto-rico-a-state- before-2020 ● Article about statehood in general

March 28, 2019 - Lawmakers to unveil bill to make Puerto Rico 51st state, as Trump escalates feud with island officials The Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-puerto-rico-statehood-bill-trump- feud-20190328-story.html ● Article talks about statehood in general

March 28, 2019 - Florida Rep. Darren Soto files bill to make Puerto Rico a state Orlando Weekly https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2019/03/28/florida-rep-darren-soto- files-bill-to-make-puerto-rico-a-state ● Article talks about statehood in general

March 28, 2019 – Puerto Rico Statehood Push Gets Backing from Rep. Soto Florida Today https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2019/03/28/puerto-rico-statehood- push-gets-backing-rep-soto/3306078002/ ● Article about statehood in general

March 28, 2019 - US House Bill pushed Puerto Rican statehood Spectrum News, News 13 https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2019/03/28/us-house-bill-pushes-puerto- rican-statehood ● Article about statehood in general

March 28, 2019 - Puerto Rico Statehood Bill comes as Governor calls Trump ‘Bully’ Bloomberg https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-28/puerto-rico-statehood-bill- comes-as-governor-calls-trump-bully ● Article about statehood in general

March 29, 2019 - Lawmakers introduce bill to admit Puerto Rico as 51st state Jurist https://www.jurist.org/news/2019/03/lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-admit-puerto-rico-as- 51st-state/ ● Article about statehood in general

VIII.APPENDICES

April 4, 2019 - As 2020 nears, Puerto Rico statehood looms large in Florida https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2019/04/04/as-2020-nears-puerto-rico- statehood-looms-large-in-florida-951370 ● Article about statehood in general

April 5, 2019 - Statehood bill sparks debate among Central Florida Puerto Ricans 90.7 WMFE https://www.wmfe.org/statehood-bill-sparks-debate-among-central-florida-puerto- ricans/101214 ● Article talks about statehood in general

April 7, 2019 - Advocated see Puerto Rican statehood as a way to fix its problems Sun Journal https://www.sunjournal.com/2019/04/07/advocates-see-puerto-rican-statehood-as-a- way-to-fix-its-problems/ ● Article about statehood in general

April 9, 2019 - Trump allies tout stealth support among Hispanics: 'They've been taken for granted by the Democrats' https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/apr/9/donald-trump-allies-see-stealth- hispanic-support-2/ ● Article about statehood in general ● Mentions Member of PRSC

April 17, 2019 - Soto takes heat for Puerto Rico statehood bill, accepts new island vote may be needed Orlando Sentinel https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-soto-puerto-rico-statehood-bill-vote- 20190417-story.html ● Article on statehood in general ● Proposed bill

April 28, 2018 - Sluggish recovery from Hurricane Maria reignites calls for Puerto Rico’s statehood, independence The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/the-struggle-to-recover-from-hurricane- maria-reignites-calls-for-puerto-ricos-statehood-independence/2018/04/28/e9284fe2- 2c7d-11e8-8688-e053ba58f1e4_story.html?utm_term=.d4c267c24689 ● Article mentions Statehood Commission ● Article on statehood in general

May 19, 2019 - Darren Soto defends pro-statehood bill El Nuevo Dia

VIII.APPENDICES https://www.elnuevodia.com/english/english/nota/darrensotodefendshispro- statehoodbill-2494657/ ● Article on statehood in general ● Proposed bill

May 19, 2019 - Poll Shows Support for Puerto Rico Statehood Stronger than for D.C. Puerto Rico Report https://www.puertoricoreport.com/poll-shows-support-for-puerto-rico-statehood- stronger-than-for-d-c/#.XPpwYNNKjq1 ● Article about statehood in general

June 12, 2019 - Puerto Rico governor looks to move up 2020 Democratic primary https://www.cbsnews.com/news/puerto-rico-2020-primary-gov-ricardo-rossello-looks- to-move-up-date-of-democratic-contest/ ● Article about statehood in general

June 17, 2018 – McConnell goes Berserk — claims granting Puerto Rico statehood, voting rights and representation is ‘full bore socialism’ https://www.alternet.org/2019/06/mcconnell-goes-berserk-claims-granting-puerto- rico-statehood-voting-rights-and-representation-is-full-bore-socialism/ ● Article about statehood in general

June 19, 2018 - Mitch McConnell: Washington D.C. & Puerto Rico Statehood is "Socialism" https://freespeech.org/stories/statehood-socialism-mcconnell/ ● Article about statehood in general

June 20, 2019 - Hillsborough Leaders Join Push for Puerto Rico Statehood https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2019/06/20/bay-area-leaders-join-push- for-puerto-rico-to-get-full-statehood ● Article about statehood in general

VIII.APPENDICES

Appendix B - Editorial Boards & Opinion Editorials

July 11, 2018 - Should Puerto Rico become the 51st state? GovTrack Insider https://govtrackinsider.com/should-puerto-rico-become-the-51st-state-e9f052941d4a ● Op-ed about statehood in general

July 29, 2018 – Statehood Would Be an Economic Boon for Puerto Rico https://townhall.com/columnists/gusportela/2018/07/29/statehood-would-be-an- economic-boon-for-puerto-rico-n2504391 • Opinion in favor of statehood

July/August 2018 - The 52-State Strategy: The Case for Puerto Rico Washington Monthly https://washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/july-august-2018/isle-of-opportunity/ ● Op-ed about statehood in general

August 20, 2018 - Conservatives Can Redeem America’s Promise To Puerto Rico https://dailycaller.com/2018/08/20/americas-promise-puerto-rico/ • Opinion in favor of statehood

August 29, 2018 - Millennials: Puerto Rico’s future is in our hands https://medium.com/@gusportela/millennials-puerto-ricos-future-is-in-our-hands- 5df0bb5a6f3e • Opinion in favor of statehood

September 18, 2018 – One Year After Maria Puerto Rico Needs a Final Vote on Statehood https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2018/09/18/one-year-after-maria- puerto-rico-needs-final-vote-statehood/qDuTMhabMc8C3l9kXdaOBM/story.html • Editorial in favor of statehood

September 20, 2019 - Political status not Puerto Rican problem, but American problem https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-ed-puerto-rico-political-status-091815- 20150918-story.html • Editorial in favor of statehood

September 24, 2018 - Puerto Rico’s push for statehood, explained Vox

VIII.APPENDICES https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/1/11/15782544/puerto-rico-pushes-for- statehood-explained ● Op-ed about statehood in general

September 26, 2019 - IMHO: Puerto Rico’s Taxation Without Representation https://www.wgbh.org/news/commentary/2018/09/26/imho-puerto-ricos-taxation- without-representation ● Video Commentary about statehood in general

October 25, 2018 - Puerto Rican voters may swing Florida toward the GOP https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article220595180.html • Opinion in favor of statehood

October 31, 2018 - Puerto Rico could be the next purple state: Gov. Rossello USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/10/31/puerto-rico-statehood-purple- state-column/1752107002/ ● Opinion on statehood in general

January 4, 2019 - Statehood for Puerto Rico must be in the 116th Congress’ agenda The Hill https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/423815-statehood-for-puerto-rico- must-be-in-the-116th-congress-agenda ● Op-ed about statehood in general

January 14, 2019 - DC and Puerto Rico share the long-ignored dream of statehood The Hill https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/425144-dc-and-puerto-rico-share-the-long- ignored-dream-of-statehood ● Op-ed about statehood in general

March 11, 2019 - If Democrats are serious about voting rights, they can't ignore Puerto Rico https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/433448-if-democrats-are-serious-about- addressing-voting-rights-they-cant-ignore • Opinion in favor of statehood

March 26, 2019 - A Conservative Case for Puerto Rican Statehood National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/03/puerto-rico-statehood-conservative-case/ ● Op-ed about statehood in general

April 3, 2019 - Soto’s statehood bill is introduced on shaky ground Orlando Sentinel https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-op-alianza-soto-puerto-rico-20190403- story.html 39

VIII.APPENDICES

● Op-ed about statehood in general ● Proposed bill

April 5, 2019 - Puerto Rico should be granted statehood – if the people want it Orlando Sentinel https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/editorials/os-op-editorial-puerto-rico- statehood-20190405-story.html ● Editorial Board in favor of statehood

June 5, 2019 - Can Democrats Win the Senate by Adding States? It’s Been Done Before FiveThirtyEight https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/can-democrats-win-the-senate-by-adding-states- its-been-done-before/ ● Op-ed about statehood in general

June 13, 2019 – Why Andrew Yang Matters https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/opinion/andrew-yang-2020.html ● Op-ed mentions statehood in general

VIII.APPENDICES

Appendix C - Dear Colleague Letters

March 5, 2019

Dear Colleague:

On March 2, 1917, on the eve of America’s entry into World War I, the U.S. Congress granted American citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico through the Jones-Shafroth Act (P.L. 64–368). Since then, Puerto Ricans have proven their loyalty and contributed to the United States in countless ways. U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico have proudly served in the Armed Forces in every conflict since World War I. Along the way, Puerto Ricans have earned honors including one Congressional Gold Medal for the 65th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers”, nine Medals of Honor, and thousands of Purple Hearts, all of which are a testament to the ultimate sacrifice Puerto Ricans have made to promote and protect American interests and values.

Today, we call on Congress to recognize that the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico live at a disadvantage compared to our fellow citizens in the states. Puerto Ricans are subject to federal laws but do not have voting representation in the U.S. House of Representatives or any representation in the U.S. Senate. Our sons and daughters in uniform can be sent to war by the President of the United States, but even when they serve honorably, they cannot vote for the Commander-in-Chief. Congress can and does treat Puerto Rico unequally under federal laws, leading to incoherent and arbitrary policies that limit the Island's opportunities to maximize its economic potential. We are treated domestic for some purposes, yet foreign for others. And although we deeply cherish our American citizenship, our rights as citizens are not guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.

In 2012, voters in Puerto Rico soundly rejected the current undemocratic and unequal territorial status, and a majority favored statehood over all other non-territorial status options. In 2017, 97 percent of voters in Puerto Rico overwhelmingly re-confirmed that statehood is our preferred status option to end the inherently limiting territorial status. These votes demonstrate indisputably that Washington governs Puerto Rico without the consent of the governed. Moreover, the passage of the 2016 Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act or PROMESA (P.L. 114-187) effectively increased the democratic deficit that we are subjected to as a territory by superseding the local self-government that Congress had granted Puerto Rico in the 1950’s. It is now evident to both the U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Congress that the current territorial status is obsolete and unable to meet the challenges of our time, especially during this critical economic and disaster recovery process post-Hurricane Maria.

While efforts to re-establish fiscal sustainability, restructure debts and rebuild after the hurricanes are all necessary, these measures are simply insufficient to overcome Puerto Rico’s challenges. The reality is that Puerto Rico’s territorial status is an inherent structural limitation on the island’s true and full potential. America’s best interests are simply not served by continuing a century old failed territorial regime that can never be fixed. Ultimately, for the various federal and territorial efforts underway as a result of PROMESA and the post disaster reconstruction process to ever unleash the full potential of Puerto Rico and the U.S. 41

VIII.APPENDICES

citizens that live on the island, there needs to be a concurrent effort to end the unequal and undemocratic territorial status. Among non-territorial options only Puerto Rico’s admission as a state, with equal rights and responsibilities, would bring significant economic progress to the island, decrease dependence and increase interstate commerce for the mutual benefit of Puerto Rico and the rest of the Nation.

At this critical juncture, Puerto Rico cannot stand by idly while Congress decides to act. Following the historic footsteps of Tennessee and multiple other former territories that once faced delays in their admission but through their bold actions became States of the Union, our territorial government has created the Puerto Rico Statehood Commission to serve as our island’s shadow delegation to the U.S. Congress. As Puerto Rico’s shadow delegation, our mandate is to execute the “Tennessee Plan” by coming to Congress to advocate for and demand Puerto Rico's admission as a State. The Commission consists of seven members, 3 Republicans, 3 Democrats, and 1 Independent, and, in close collaboration with Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, Hon. Jenniffer González-Colón, we look forward to engaging you to advance this righteous cause.

The time to end Puerto Rico’s undemocratic colonial territory status has come. After decades of federal elected officials claiming support for Puerto Rico’s "self-determination," it is imperative that Congress respect and act upon the results of the 2012 and 2017 votes. We ask for your leadership to help us finally and definitively transition to a fully democratic system of government through statehood.

Sincerely,

VIII.APPENDICES

July 17th, 2018

Dear Colleague:

On July 4th, 1776, 242 years ago, thirteen colonies claimed their independence from the British Empire, an act which ultimately created a nation that would become the most powerful in the world. Prior this vote of independence by the Continental Congress, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, memorializing the principles upon which our country is founded, "...Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Yet, on July 25, 1898, after the Spanish-American War, the United States took control of Puerto Rico, thus beginning a new era of colonialism. While earlier this month we celebrated 242 years of the independence of the United States, we must remember that the decolonization of its territories remains the unfinished business of American democracy.

Since 1508 and between military governments and protectorate status, Puerto Rico has yet to be able to shed its colonial status. We are subject to the federal laws of the United States, but we do not have voting representation in the U.S. Congress. The U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico have proven their loyalty and contributed to the Armed Forces in numerous ways since World War I, yet cannot vote for their Commander-in-Chief. Many Puerto Ricans serving in the military have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and have earned high honors like the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment and the nine Medal of Honor recipients who all promoted and protected American values.

As our country celebrated its independence earlier this month, we now have an opportunity to continue the fulfillment of the promises laid out by our founding fathers. In this spirit, we request your support for the Puerto Rico Admission Act of 2018, H.R. 6246. This bill responds to the will of the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico, which in 2012 and again in 2017, expressed through free and fair elections their desire to end Puerto Rico’s territorial status and to become equal members of the union through statehood.

Now we need Congress to act. As Puerto Rico’s Shadow Delegation to Congress, we endorse H.R. 6246 and ask for you to cosponsor this bill. For more information or to cosponsor H.R 6246, please contact Mr. Luis Bacó, Chief-of-Staff to Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón at (202) 225-2615.

VIII.APPENDICES

Sincerely,

VIII.APPENDICES

Appendix D - Resolutions

VIII.APPENDICES

n EE.L..S, I::i 1::1.e áeci.si n Ba .... zac Pe p .... e f ? re the f -che Insu:.a _ 3 ni ted 5-ca- es nl· in -=e :.n the un:.nc rp raceá ce=- it ries, t .us a ==:.rm~ng the áenia 5 _ igh1: e erial b t .e et:.1:i n e = in th-t ca e; -n 6 :fE~..S, :'h e s - -tes -upreme t:.:::C in 3al.:: ac a :.s -.¡; uná chac :.n rp raci n i::ic t .. e n :.1:e Sta-ce ;1 a a .,:e ste. 1: -cace h. á f = an t .e i::i =a-ci n e i;.lá n be acc mp:.isheá b ex. res e ng_es.si n-1 áeclaraci n = b ·· ' in l :. caci n .s ser ng -s e ex :. uáe an -cher ··i e w; .. - n

·:EREJ...S, In 95 1 ng_es auch _ i .:: ed t .. e pe p :.e f ?uert . ic -e e ::i nal e ::i ·e::ici n f = t e .se = áe ·e :. p :.ng a 3 _ r r.t re e ,::n.p:.ete sel=-g ··ernme n-c b 1 ilic requi_ i::ig uch con v :.de b -ch a =e ublic-n = rm 15 -= g ·ernr.ien- anda b :. 11 = right; aná :6 ·:rEE.Z!..S, • equ:.rin a reptilili -n f =r.i g ve_nment t ea h sta- e :.s a ut.. _ 1:h.e ::i:. -e Sta-ces C n ress un e= Art:.c e r sec- i n :.1 :.1: e Scates C n 1:icut:. ::i; and =anted b · t . e n:.-ce -caces ngre.ss, che e le f . uert . ~ e ::n.e c in e n ·en-ci n aná raf-ce a n.s1:icut:. ::i meet:.ng che requi:::eme n1:s t . . e ~51 act, -::i che ni ceá 5-caces ng_es.s a pr:r ed -che f che o mm n-.·e-lch _ 3 Pue_ -c Ri :.n :95_ ; aná _ 4 r:e ce __ it rial hisc r :.es f 1::er .staces suc: -s

.:. 5 - u:.siana, Alasl:a 1 and Ha· a :.i E.."D. nst=·te - s~"D.i :. -r pr gre s f se:.=- _ 6 g - er:.1r.te:.1c, fr n ear 1-· e ng_es i n -1 ces establ:. sh.:.ng ba i c ci --il

_ 7 g ·er::ir.tenc1 t - m r e f :::na1:.~ scru 1:u=eá g ·ernr.ienc e ndu 1:e b · che e le f - he part:.cu:. ·= terr:.- r, t a _pr ·al = an ==:.cial state _ 9 ::i.s-ci cut:. ::i; and 3 :r=E.~..S, T .e nscitu1:i n che 3: a . p.r - ed be f =e e ::igre si na:. a -che pr sed sta-ce 3 _ n 1:icut:. n f = .. la :,:a and Ha·1a :.i, and the s· · seque n-e a i sin 33 i::ic che n:. ::i; and 3 nited Sta1:e cici.:: enship t -che Pe l e 3 Pue_ -c ::l:.c, _equi=:.ng 1:h.ei::: 36 r -- iáe _ r re ub:.ican f :::n a b :.11 f hes, 3 a~1:t :.ng r e .sident.s in -e 1::1.e a=:n.e che 3 i::i. '··hic che· a ·e bra ·e:.· aná h n .rab:. che 3~ ut· ha =equ:. r e , in-cegraci::ig a :. l 4 ec n m_ = Pue=c ::e.e in-e che gre a-ce= ec n m = the

. ~ H . • 11 ~

46 PUERTO RICO •SHAD0W DELE(;ATION=== TO 1.1.S. C0N<3RESS VIII.APPENDICES

and e- 1- .:. ng t ..e ? ;.iert :. -,. ·s and j udi ia: a:tis . r i gi:.1. = ... -i i ns and =ce s ns .:. stent · ·.:. 1:h che la· s and juri ::::ude nce f Sta--:e 1::::- ng and ele-::: 4 ~~p: i a - in -. a1: ?;.iert has b e en i:.1. :::: _a --:e .:. nt che 5 - niced Sta1:e ; and 6 -:I~E.H..S, Ci i :: ens res.:.din i:.1. ? uert ~e 7 a _e n c ent.:. 1:led 1: t ..e sa.~e t _eac:ne n1: U:.1. e ::: ertai:.1.

f edera: : -·.·s 1 su h as 1:he f up l ene:.1.c-1 Se u_ i t _· : neo. e

9 f r r.t h e A iniscraci n 1 a :::e tr.er it.:.::ens h e - -' - ni- ed Sta1:e :::-esi i:.1.g in tr.e e-era: se-tes che n.:. :.1.; and ·-3.=R.::.A.S, Ir.e denial := e ual - re-tr.te :.1.c nited se-tes cici=ens . ie u:.1. er eertai:.1. f edera: laws i ~usci:=.:.ed 1 n t •. e ba is 1:: a1: ?uert 1 ... -ni - ed Se - tes desp.:. -e .. -e = ulcu:::-er e c n IDYr and :.it.:. ca: pr e ess = 1: e nited 1:aces; and 1€ -3.~EJ!.S , T he :::-ec e n1: cae-ser hi e ?;.iert ~e ::ur_ i ane I =:n.a a ..d Ma.:::: .:. - .:.ne rp raci n Pue:::-t ~c Sta-es s :.1. es c :.1.a1:u_ -1 di -ste:::- in ? uert ~e -=e c ndu 1: e n the sa.~e ba is as := ede_ -1 r e nse t :.1.a1:u_ -1 di e:s e wh e_e .:.n t ..e niced 1:aces; and -a~EJ In1:e graci n i:.1.c tr.e nited se-tes, whi: e :.1.ec e sa= 1:

r.t • e e ·.·ard sta1:e h ;i i : l :.1. 1: au1: ,n-t.:. ca: 1· e n :=er sc-teh d n

_ 5 1:ha1: the

& Pue_ - Ri .:. nt 1:: e a p: -1: law and l.:.c:¡ .:. n ? uert Ri n che in a 1:ate = the ~:.1. .:. n · ich u1: is rini:.1.a1:i n r .:. n e qua: ity . 3j Tha--: __ en ::::.:. -1

cransm.:.1:ted 1: che r. ::>:.1. :.1.ald J . Trum_ 1 P_es.:.d e n1: f the -niced 1:ates, the Pre ident Sta1:e ena1:e, 1:he Spe-ker := che :: use -= _ e __ ese n1:aci·es, an ea h . en.be_ ..g:::-ess =- m t ..e Sta1:e 3 -s .i:.1.gi; n.

--- END ---

:Í - - 1 5'

47 PUERTO RICO •SHAD0W DELE(;ATION=== TO 1.1.S. C0N<3RESS VIII.APPENDICES

VIII.APPENDICES

~LUTIO. TO.AD TORI S TAIEHOOD

"HERI:. LULAC is our Natian so ~ md most respeded Hispano/Latino civil ri,gbts organizrtioo, establisbed in 19 9. 0m . .an is to seek tbe am'flDCftDPllt ofHispanic Ameri.cans in the areas of · oo, emp ~ and ciril rigbts· md

WBERI:. C is tbe ~ and o1dest civil rigbts groop in oor Natioo and defender of Hispanic .American citizens like ttJe res:iderrt:s ofPuerto Rico; md

WHERI:. ~ tbe Treatyof Paris ofl898~ O\"Wooe lnmdred md ~ ago Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain md bec.ame a oolouy oftbe · tates of~ sti,ject to Article IV Secti.cm 3 of tbe U . Constitutioo o bown as tbe eoitorial Clmse · md

1IERI: in acconbmce to tbe Tenitot:w U . Congress enfuroes umlaterall plenary powers over tbe colonial ta:ritory of Puerto Rico ~ tbe American citizens resi.dent in tne lsland eqml ~ ñgbts· and

"HERI:. oo O\"elllber 6 20 4 tbe majarity oftbe eligil,le ,'Oters ofPuerto Rioo---duough a Plebiscite---opr willingly vo y, and 0\'1!m'belmingl dmr desire h equal m'Íl rigbts md cleterminatian to end tbe tarimóal ooial rehtioosbip ·th tbe mted tates of America. 1hey rejected Nths ac1Ual political territorial condition Nwith a 53.9 ofvotes. md supporied Statehood as tbe soluti.an fur equality · a 6 . • ofwtes · md

b· cite s resuUs Jeebjgring once man! • ofvotes; md

"HERI:. LULAC md tbe Cbapter ofPuerto ·oo have appro\~ multip reso · supparting and requesting the Federal Go,,wn!DP!Jt to provide tbe American citizens md residerrts of tbe co · tenitory of Puerto Rico tbe opportunity to · md enjoy equal civil rigbts dmr fiill Ameri.cm citizJens ñam any ot1e State oftbe ·

THDlEFORL BE 1TllESOLJ'ED that LUI.AC actn:ely dernmd t1Je Presidmt md tbe Congress oftlie United Stttes of America, in accorclance witb the will oftbe People of Paerto Rico (expn!SSe!CI in tbe Plebiscite of _ ~ 6~ O md rati.fied in tbe Plebiscde ofJane 11~ 017) madmit Puerto Rico as tbeFifty S oftbe ation. In arder to solve tbe lack ofequal civil rigbts oftbe A!Dfll'ican citizens and residerrts of Puerto Rico: LULA must support my leejslarion in the Federal Congress ~Statebood.

51 PUERTO RICO •SHAD0W DELE(;ATION=== TO 1.1.S . C0N<3RESS VIII.APPENDICES

~iMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilli~]

Ob!d. apprcn-ed by tbe ~ ksembly ofthe 20 8 LULAC aticmal Conventia:i on Jul 2 20 8.

Domingo Garci.a LULA.C Natianal Ptesident

.~ rf • -

52 PUERTO RICO •SHAD0W DELE(;ATION=== TO 1.1.S . C0N<3RESS VIII.APPENDICES

Appendix E - Bill Text H.R. 1965 Puerto Rico Admission Act of 2019

VIII.APPENDICES

uall~· , ; h h

· ni n · 11 J h ir r ·id 11 ·.

( 4 l" ~IT E l ."f.\ TL.' IT IZE .. 'I 11[ .- • pr \1-

11 f thi \ ·t hall ] rat t • nr l' ·itiz n. hip, 11 r m1in at ·iliz n ·hiJ h r t lm f ullr

6 · 1u ir t, r r 1 l

7 un J r a11y I w f th r un t r n~·

t~ . l~· l \ •lli ·h t h i · r w 1 J ·u1~·.

9 E . 7. EVERABILITY.

1O Ir a11y pr ,; i n f lhi ~\ ·t 1 r any ·ti n. l -

11 ·li n u . r 11 r t h

11 th f f t h I t

in y· li J h Y Jidity (' th r m ind r r 14 n,

, r incli,i duaJ w r J t r-

16 hall n t t h r y. o

57 PUERTO RICO •SHAD0W DELE(;ATION=== TO 1.1 . S . C0N<3RESS

VIII.APPENDICES

Puerto Rico Statehood Commission 1100 17th Street N.W., Suite 800 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: 202-778-0710 Email: [email protected] www.Statehood4PuertoRico.com Published: June 30, 2019