[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     PUERTO RICO STATUS LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2013

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, if we are to fairly resolve the issue of 
Puerto Rico's status, we must find a framework for true self-
determination. The ``Puerto Rico Status Resolution Act'' being 
introduced today fails that test in every aspect: it denies Puerto 
Ricans a true vehicle for self-determination and fabricates a 
superficial majority in favor of statehood.
  I think it is critical that my colleagues understand how flawed the 
process was for the plebiscite held in November of 2012. By rigging the 
process, architects of this vote effectively ensured that the outcome 
would be a result they desired.
  It should be recognized that votes cast in favor of statehood did not 
exceed 44 percent--a number that has remained relatively flat for two 
decades. It is important to note that 26 percent of voters cast blank 
ballots during this part of the vote. These votes should be considered 
votes against statehood as casting a blank ballot is part of 
traditional form of objecting to an unfair process in Puerto Rican 
political history. Indeed, during this referendum, the Commonwealth 
Party adopted a resolution asking voters to protest the process by 
casting blank ballots. In short, even with this unfair and flawed 
process, 55 percent of Puerto Rican voters cast ballots unsupportive of 
statehood.
  Despite these numbers, the bill being proposed today continues to 
perpetuate this unfair political gamesmanship, seeking to promote 
statehood at the exclusion of other potential political solutions.
  Mr. Speaker, rather than inserting ourselves into the political 
status debate for Puerto Rico, Congress should be exploring ways to 
raise the quality of life for the 3.6 million American citizens who 
reside in Puerto Rico. By fostering economic development there, 
encouraging outside investment and spurring economic opportunity, we 
can help all Puerto Ricans enjoy a better life--while enhancing the 
economy of the mainland United States. Investments in education and 
infrastructure can make Puerto Rico a better place to live, while 
providing a solid foundation for future generations. Preserving the 
islands' natural beauty and addressing environmental justice issues is 
also vitally important.
  These are the issues we should be tackling, rather than requiring 
Puerto Ricans to participate in a flawed process aimed at promoting the 
political goals of a minority of voters. The ultimate solution for 
Puerto Rico's future will be realized by creating economic opportunity 
and justice, investing in growth and infrastructure, not through unfair 
processes that seek to foreclose one option in favor of statehood.
  I submit a Concurrent Resolution recently considered by the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's legislature.

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