Sen. Martin Heinrich to introduce plan to grant Puerto Rico statehood

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Source: Axios

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) announced Tuesday they would introduce legislation to start the motions for Puerto Rico statehood.

Why it matters: More than 52% of Puerto Ricans voted last November in favor of statehood, three years after Hurricane Maria struck the island and caused one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history. It exposed the island's vulnerable position as a U.S. territory and its lack of resources to battle poverty.

The 3.2 million Americans in Puerto Rico lack full voting representation in Congress and cannot vote for president.

Statehood proponents say the federal government treats Puerto Rico unequally and doesn't adequately fund programs to combat poverty and promote economic development.

Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/sen-martin-heinrich-introduce-plan-150024452.html

[bluestarone]

1. Would this all be possible by

Midterm election?

[jorgevlorgan]

2. Not sure

Like if we could put it in a defense bill, it would likely have the votes . Or if it can be in a budget reconcilliation bill (more doubtful). Bottom line is if it can be introduced in a way where only 51 votes are needed, it will likely have the votes. Remember, Republicans did have puerto rico statehood in their party platform in 2016. Rick Scott and Mitt Romney have both said they support statehood. Even if the bill is introduced the traditional way, there is at least a small chance it could meet the cloture vote, and make it to a full vote in the senate.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

3. I've got an idea -- why don't we swap Texas for Puerto Rico?

One advantage is we wouldn't have to change the design of the Flag to add another star. Also, we wouldn't have to listen to Texans threaten to secede anymore.

If they want to rejoin the Union later on (seceder's remorse), tell them they'll have to get in line behind the remaining four U.S. territories -- American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Also, they'll have to switch to renewable energy and convert the Alamo into affordable housing. Oh, and they'll have to change their state flag from red, white and blue to just white, as in "we surrender."

[colsohlibgal]

4. Plus

DC needs Statehood as well.