Bill > HJR0031

This Joint Resolution expresses support for Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state of the United States, acknowledging its long history under U.S. sovereignty since the Spanish-American War in 1898 and the subsequent granting of U.S. citizenship in 1917. It highlights the deep integration of Puerto Ricans into American culture and institutions, including significant military service and a large population living on the U.S. mainland, while noting that as an unincorporated U.S. territory, Puerto Ricans lack full voting representation in Congress and electoral votes for President. The resolution references a 2012 local referendum where a majority voted to end territorial status and favor statehood, and concludes by urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would allow Puerto Rico to be admitted as a state.