Democratic Progress. Supporters see the bill as giving Puerto Ricans a fair voice in their future, allowing all factions to advocate for their preferred option without tricks or manipulation.
38D AGOUSU.S. REPRESENTATIVE ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZPUERTO RICO
Ocasio-Cortez and Velázquez Slam Puerto Rico Status Bill
What's the gist?
Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez sharply criticized Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera's new Puerto Rico status bill that would keep the island under U.S. control, saying that it undermines decolonization efforts by preserving the island's territorial status.
Context
Puerto Ricans are currently under the plenary powers of the U.S. - they do not pay federal taxes but also do not have a voting member of Congress. For years, Velázquez and Ocasio-Cortez have led congressional efforts to advance Puerto Rico's self-determination through non-territorial options. Their previous bills excluded maintaining the current commonwealth arrangement, which they consider a form of colonialism. Ocasio-Cortez has not explicitly advocated for statehood, but rather fought to allow current residents to determine their future as a state, independent, or some other status in relation to the U.S.
Positive takes
Inclusive Democracy. The legislation provides a comprehensive choice between statehood, independence, free association, and current status, letting voters decide their own path forward.
Practical Solution. The bill offers a realistic approach that acknowledges different viewpoints exist among Puerto Ricans about their island's political future.
Negative takes
Colonial Perpetuation. Critics argue including the current territorial status as an option legitimizes Puerto Rico's colonial condition, which they say contradicts true decolonization principles.
Undermining Progress. Ocasio-Cortez and Velázquez claim the bill reverses years of congressional work by reintroducing an arrangement that keeps Puerto Rico under U.S. plenary powers.
Political Opportunism. The lawmakers suggest Hernández Rivera's proposal is driven by individual political aspirations rather than genuine efforts to resolve Puerto Rico's century-old status question.
— by VoiceWhat's Voice? Read this.
News sources
- 01
THE STAR STAFF · San Juan Daily Star · June 11, 2026
- 02
Quiver CongressRadar · Quiver Quantitative · June 12, 2026
How is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doing in this moment?
Rate and see what New Yorkers think