Rep. García’s Statement on His Vote on the Puerto Rico Status Act

Rep. García’s Statement on His Vote on the Puerto Rico Status Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 8393, Puerto Rico Status Act in today’s House Committee on Natural Resources markup:

“While today marks an important first step in the decolonization process of Puerto Rico, I could not in good faith support the passage of  H.R. 8393, Puerto Rico Status Act in its current form. 

“The colonization of Puerto Rico is a shameful part of our country’s history. From the moment the U.S. took control of the island, to a century of limited citizenship, the imposition of PROMESA, and our failures in disaster response, Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S. is rooted in a history of racism, exploitation, and oppression. The time is now for the process of decolonization and self-determination on the island.

“As a Member representing one of the largest and most vibrant Puerto Rican communities in the country, I do not take this decision lightly. The outcome from today’s committee markup, and eventually, votes in the full House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate will determine the future for generations of Puerto Ricans living on the island and across the diaspora. We have an opportunity to rectify Puerto Rico’s long-standing colonial status, which has resulted in its people being treated as second-class citizens – but it must be done in an inclusive, thoughtful, and transparent manner.

“Puerto Ricans deserve a formal and accessible legislative hearing on a bill of such importance wherein members of the Puerto Rican community and interested stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute their perspectives into the debate – this bill did not receive one. Additionally, the bill lacks clarity and specificity on key issues for my constituents and their loved ones on the island including how U.S. citizenship would be defined under Sovereignty in Free Association, the status of Puerto Rico in the Olympic games, and the future of the island’s debt and tax policies. While many may disagree about the future of Puerto Rico’s status, we must recognize that the decision and input should come from those who will be impacted most: the Puerto Rican people.

“We must confront our moral and political responsibility to end over 500 years of colonialism in Puerto Rico, but we must do so with the direct input from those who would be most impacted.”

Now that the bill has been marked up in the Committee, it will head to the House floor for a vote.

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