House lawmakers are reigniting an effort to give Puerto Ricans the right to decide their status, including the possibility of statehood, after a similar attempt fell short at the end of last year.
Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., introduced legislation Thursday that, if approved, would force a plebiscite allowing Puerto Ricans to vote on three non-territorial status options: Independence, sovereignty in free association with the U.S., or statehood.
“America means choice. America means freedom. America means liberty. Therefore, the people of Puerto Rico ought to have choice,” Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., said at a news conference outside the Capitol Thursday.
