Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) has taken a significant step towards resolving the political status of Puerto Rico by signing on to the Puerto Rico Status Act this week. This move has made him the 100th sponsor of the bill, which aims to provide a federally sponsored plebiscite for Puerto Ricans to determine their political future.
The Puerto Rico Status Act, also known as H.R. 1522, has been gaining momentum in Congress with bipartisan support. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.), would give Puerto Ricans the opportunity to choose between three options for their political status: independence, statehood, or sovereignty in free association with the United States.
This is a significant development for the people of Puerto Rico, who have been struggling with their political status for decades. The island has been a U.S. territory since 1898 and its residents are U.S. citizens, but they do not have full voting rights in federal elections and are not represented in Congress.
Rep. Mills’ support for the Puerto Rico Status Act is a testament to his commitment to finding a solution for the island’s political status. In a statement, he said, “It is time for the people of Puerto Rico to have a say in their own future. This legislation will give them the opportunity to make a choice that will shape the destiny of their island.”
The bill has received widespread support from Puerto Rican leaders and organizations. Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, Jenniffer González-Colón, has been a vocal advocate for the legislation, stating that it is “the only viable path to finally resolve the status issue.”
The Puerto Rico Status Act has also garnered support from the Puerto Rican diaspora in the United States. The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the bill, stating that it “provides a fair and democratic process for Puerto Ricans to determine their political future.”
The legislation has been introduced in the Senate as well, with Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) leading the effort. The companion bill, S. 780, currently has 34 co-sponsors.
The Puerto Rico Status Act has the potential to bring about significant change for the island and its people. If passed, it would mark the first time in history that Puerto Ricans would have a federally sponsored plebiscite to determine their political status.
The bill also includes provisions for a transition period and outlines the steps that would need to be taken in the event of a change in status. This ensures that the process is fair and transparent, and that the interests of both Puerto Rico and the United States are taken into consideration.
The Puerto Rico Status Act has been hailed as a bipartisan effort to address a long-standing issue. Rep. Soto has emphasized the importance of working together to find a solution, stating, “This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, it’s an American issue. We must come together to give the people of Puerto Rico the opportunity to decide their own future.”
The bill has also received support from the White House, with President Biden including it in his budget proposal for fiscal year 2022. This further highlights the importance of finding a resolution for Puerto Rico’s political status.
As the 100th sponsor of the Puerto Rico Status Act, Rep. Mills has joined a growing number of lawmakers who recognize the urgency of addressing this issue. With bipartisan support and the backing of Puerto Rican leaders and organizations, the bill has a strong chance of passing and bringing about much-needed change for the island.
In conclusion, Rep. Cory Mills’ support for the Puerto Rico Status Act is a significant step towards resolving the political status of Puerto Rico. This legislation provides a fair and democratic process for Puerto Ricans to determine their own future, and it has the potential to bring about positive change for both the island and the United States. Let us hope that this bipartisan effort will lead to a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
