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State Representative Dan Ramos (D-Lorain), Ohio’s only legislator of Puerto Rican descent, has introduced a House Concurrent Resolution to ask Congress to take action that respects the will of U.S. Citizens in Puerto Rico, and takes steps toward admitting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to the Union as a state.
“As laid out in the Declaration of Independence, our country recognizes that government derives its power from the consent of the governed,” said Rep. Ramos. “The people of Puerto Rico voted to change that, and that should be respected.”
Puerto Rico has been governed by the United States of America since 1898. The territory’s people were extended US-American citizenship on March 2, 1917 as part of the Jones-Shafroth Act under President Woodrow Wilson.
“Following the results of the November election I believe it is necessary that Congress take swift action and recognize the will of the United States citizens living in Puerto Rico,” Rep. Ramos added.
“For nearly a century, these citizens have served in the branches of our armed forces defending our freedom. Now, through their vote, they have asked for statehood, with all of the rights and responsibilities this brings. Using the guidance of our forefathers, it is the duty of Congress to respect the call of U.S. Citizens for Statehood, as they have done since the 18th Century. This resolution asks Congress to do exactly that.”
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