A bill recently co-introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezOvernight Energy: Pendley Order to Stay on Top of Public Lands Office Officer Career | Trump officials accused of relaxing rules over killing wolf pups, bear cub Democrat criticizes Ocasio-Cortez bill: ‘All Puerto Ricans should say’ Nadler, Maloney endorses Markey in primary senate MORE (DN.Y.) that seeks to address the future of Puerto Rico has drawn criticism among Puerto Rican members of Congress.
The bill, introduced Tuesday by Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (DN.Y.) seeks to determine the sovereign status of American territory through a “status convention”, as opposed to the referendums held by proponents of statehood.
“The legislation that would encourage the Puerto Rican legislature to create a Status Convention whose delegates would be elected by Puerto Rican voters,” the two legislators wrote. in an essay published on NBC News Think.
Rep. Jose Serrano
José Enrique Serrano Democrat criticizes Ocasio-Cortez’s bill: ‘All Puerto Ricans should have a say’ How a progressive populist seems to fall Democrats Engel House’s £ 7m for police reform in issuing bills MORE“Another Puerto Rican New York Democrat on Tuesday expressed skepticism about the bill, tweeting that it’s a decision to change the island’s status.”is too important to leave behind closed doors “and” all Puerto Ricans must have a say. “
I believe all Puerto Ricans need to determine the island’s future – not just a few. Changing the status of Puerto Rico (a career goal of mine) is too important to leave behind closed doors – all Puerto Ricans should say so.
– José E. Serrano (@RepJoseSerrano) August 25, 2020
Ritchie Torres, a member of the New York City council who won the Democratic primary in the race to succeed Serrano, expressed the sentiments of the retired congressman.
“Becoming a public servant of unparalleled integrity. I am honored to continue your tradition of advocating for true self-determination through direct elections. All Puerto Ricans, not just party insiders, must have a voice and a voice!” Torres, whose father is Puerto Rican, tweeted.
Words of a public servant of unparalleled integrity. I am honored to continue your tradition of advice for true self-determination through direct elections. All Puerto Ricans, not just party insiders, must have a voice and a voice! https://t.co/rrE8sozFjr
– Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) August 26, 2020
In her op-ed, Ocasio-Cortez and Velázquez stated that previous referendums “were compromised by voting irregularities and somber participation. ”
Puerto Rico will have another yes-no referendum on state over the vote in the November general election. This initiative has not been approved by the Ministry of Justice, so the results are not binding.
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