October 14, 2006-

"BBQ for Statehood" a Success!

"The Puerto Rico Statehood Society hosted a "BBQ for Statehood" Saturday to promote the idea of the island territory becoming the 51st state. Students passing through Kogan Plaza enjoyed the group's music and free food while learning about the issues facing Puerto Rico today."

Read the full GW Hatchet Article

Special thanks to Secretary Adriana Usero and Treasurer Laura Rexach for adding traditional "tostones" to the barbecue experience.

April 26, 2006-

CLICK HERE to read the letter sent by the Puerto Rico Statehood Society to the U.S. House Resources Committee, holding hearings on the Report by the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status.

March 31, 2006-

IN THE NEWS: The Puerto Rico Statehood Society single-handedly confronts another U.S. Senator with the Puerto Rico status issue.

February 6, 2006-

Former Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Rosselló Delivers a Major Address at the George Washington University

In an event sponsored by the Puerto Rico Statehood Society student organization on February 6, 2006, Former Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Rosselló delivered an address to a crowd of 200 at the George Washington University.  Rosselló discussed the underlying themes in his new book “The Unfinished Business of American Democracy” in relation to the most recent efforts to seek congressional action on the newly released report by the President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico’s Status.  Rosselló stated that “you could move to Iraq and still have the right to vote for the President, but you would loose that right if you move to Puerto Rico.”  He also characterized the disenfranchisement of the United States citizens of Puerto Rico as a matter of civil rights that must be resolved for the sake of the principle of equal rights under law.  The event also featured a question and answer session, where Rosselló interacted with the audience by answering their questions. 

The event also counted with the presence of many prominent politicians from Puerto Rico, including Senators Margarita Nolasco, Norma Burgos, Hector Martinez, Carmelo Rios, New Progressive Party Vice President Miriam Ramirez de Ferrer, Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Jose F. Aponte, Former Puerto Rico Senate President Charlie Rodriguez, Former New Progressive Party President Leo Diaz, and Former White House aide Jeffrey Farrow.

December 22, 2005-

BUSH ADMINISTRATION URGES STATUS VOTE IN PUERTO RICO

After years in the making, the White House Task Force on Puerto Rico's status has issued its final report to the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress.

The task force has recommended the U.S. Congress to order a referendum in 2006, in which the people of Puerto Rico would choose whether or not to remain a U.S. territory subject to the will of Congress or pursue a non-territorial status. 

If the people of Puerto Rico elect  to remain a territory, the task force recommends periodic referendums, in order to keep Congress informed of any changes in the people's wishes.

If the people of Puerto Rico vote to pursue a non-territorial status, the task force recommends Congress to order a second referendum, in which Puerto Ricans would choose between the only two non-territorial options: Statehood or Independence.   

CliCK HERE to READ the report by the president's task force on puerto rico's status 

The Puerto Rico Statehood society congratulates all of the leaders of the new progressive party who tirelessly worked to make this historic day a reality:

gov. pedro rossello

Gov. Carlos romero-barcelo

gov. luis a. ferre

congressman luis g. fortuno

PRSS has been successful in adding another ally for the statehood cause in the United States Senate:

Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK)

Sen. Tom Coburn has vowed to support Statehood for Puerto Rico as soon as the people of Puerto Rico vote in favor of it.

During an event sponsored by the GW College Republicans and transmitted live on C-SPAN2 on October 17 2005, PRSS Chairman Angel J. Valencia formulated the following question to Sen. Coburn:

"Tonight you emphasized the need to confront tough issues and fix them.  However, there is a tough issue that many politicians in the past have succeeded in avoiding, and that pertains to the colonial status of Puerto Rico.  It is a territorial status that drains approximately $22 billion per year from the American taxpayer.  The 2004 Republican Party Platform states the following: We support the right of the United States citizens of Puerto Rico to be admitted to the Union as a fully sovereign state after they freely so determine.  Do you agree with that statement, and what do you think is the most appropiate way to deal with the issue?"

Coburn responded by saying: "Well, I'll tell you honestly, I have never given it a thought.  I haven't, it's simply something I haven't thought about.  We allowed Alaska to become a state, we allowed Hawaii to become a state....If the people of Puerto Rico want to do that, I wouldn't have any problem with that." 

You can watch a video clip by clicking on the link below:

Interview with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)

Note: PRSS has sent press releases about the event to the Puerto Rican media.