On Monday, the GW Puerto Rico Statehood Student Association (PRSSA) hosted their annual kickoff event with Pedro Pierluisi, a GW Law alumnus. Pierluisi is the nonvoting delegate in the House of Representatives for Puerto Rico. About 100 students and members of the community attended the hour long speaking event.
Speaking about efforts to make Puerto Rico the 51st state, Pierluisi noted that Puerto Rico would receive increased amounts of aid from the federal government which in turn would raise their standard of living. In turn, the United States would gain land off its coast and would prove its modern effort to embrace culture.
Congressman Pierluisi stated four specific options in order for the United States to take action on its territory. Pierluisi introduced HR 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010, on May 19, 2009, which presented the four options to the House. The bill has 181 cosponsors.
On DC statehood, Pierluisi said he supports a bill introduced by DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. To see Pierluisi’s remarks, see below:
