Statehood for Puerto Rico

“Puerto Rico on the Brink” (editorial, April 30) observes that the United States territory has severe economic problems, and that federal and local officials both bear some responsibility. To its credit, the editorial also suggests the main culprit, Puerto Rico’s political status.

Island residents cannot vote for president or United States senators. I represent them in the House of Representatives, but cannot vote on the floor.

Moreover, the Constitution gives Congress license to treat Puerto Rico worse than the states under federal law, and Congress often uses that license.

Indeed, the editorial endorses my bill in Congress to authorize government-owned companies in the territory to adjust their debts in Chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings, a power Puerto Rico would automatically have if it were a state.

No people have ever prospered while being treated unequally, and it is not reasonable to expect Puerto Rico to be the exception to that rule. For my constituents to have the bright economic future they deserve, Puerto Rico must become a state.

PEDRO R. PIERLUISI

Washington

The writer, a Democrat, is Puerto Rico’s delegate in Congress.

To the Editor:

Statehood for Puerto Rico