Columns & Op-Eds
View the latest columns and op-eds from Resident Commissioner Pierluisi.
By Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi
On July 25th, 62 years ago, the Constitution of Puerto Rico took effect. This document is worthy of study and respect. It contains language that confirms our devotion to democracy and our commitment to equality. It reflects the fact that we cherish both our Puerto Rican identity and our American citizenship.
It’s time again for Take Five, when HOH talks with a member of Congress about topics relatively unrelated to legislative work.
This week, Puerto Rico’s Democratic representative in Congress, Resident Commissioner Pedro R. Pierluisi, discusses his trip on Air Force One and working as a staffer.
PIERLUISI: Why Puerto Rico Deserves Statehood
By Pedro Pierluisi
Monday, November 18, 2013
Tuesday marks the 520th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in Puerto Rico. Since that time, the island’s political status has been colonial in nature.
The Nov. 7 editorial “Puerto Rico, awash in debt” recognized that the U.S. territory’s economic problems are “structural — traceable, ultimately, to its muddled political status.” But The Post then asserted that “there will be time enough to debate” that status later and that Puerto Rico should focus exclusively on fixing its finances.
Roll Call: Puerto Rico's Political Status Needs to Change With the Times
Puerto Rico’s governor recently wrote about the results of the U.S. territory’s November status referendum (“Moving forward together,” May 20), painting a picture that bears little resemblance to what actually transpired.
Ex-Puerto Rico Gov. Rafael Hernández Colon wrote a Guest Observer (“Puerto Rican Statehood Defeated Again,” Dec. 6) about the results of the U.S. territory’s recent status referendum, arguing that “the Puerto Rican electorate defeated statehood.” The truth is far different.
There are two major federal holidays when we honor the men and women of our nation’s armed forces. On Memorial Day, observed in May, we remember military personnel who died in the service of their country. And today, Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to all those who served honorably, both living and gone. Every day—but especially on this day—we should give thanks to the soldiers, sailor
Recently, I asked The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro, the Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, or GAO, to undertake a comprehensive study of the impact of Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, on the economy of Puerto Rico.
The close relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States dates back more than a century. As a general matter, the White House and Congress have been sparing in making pronouncements about the political and economic future of the Island.
The Isla Nena is an island paradise that posseses many natural wonders and resources native to Puerto Rico.
In her May 18 Metro column ["Puerto Rico doesn't even want a vote, but D.C. must wait again?"], Petula Dvorak objected that the House of Representatives passed a bill "inviting Puerto Rico to join the union" after withdrawing legislation to give the District of Columbia a voting representative in the House.
Puerto Rico's dependence on foreign oil has become the greatest obstacle to the Island's economic development and ability to compete globally.
Puerto Ricans are a warm people with a deep respect for the rule of law. As a community, we must continually strive to create an environment of acceptance and tolerance that will lead us to a safe and peaceful society. The only way to achieve this goal is to value human dignity and to eliminate discrimination in all of its forms.
President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is, understandably, a source of considerable pride for the 45 million Hispanics living in the United States.