The governor signs the formal petition for Puerto Rico's admission as a state

What the text contains

According to Telemundo Puerto Rico, the measure, initially numbered joint resolution 391 of the House, has become joint resolution 66-2026. It asks Congress to use the authority granted by Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution. It also marks the 250th anniversary of American independence. Copies will be sent to the president, leaders of both federal chambers, and each member of Congress.

González Colón stated that Puerto Rico had never submitted an official request of this type before. She added that if Congress and the president set conditions for admission, a final referendum would return to voters. When asked about a possible local plebiscite by the end of the term, she did not rule it out.

The presidents of both legislative chambers were absent from the ceremony at La Fortaleza. The governor explained that they had other obligations and had voted and signed the projects.

Criticism from the opposition

Metro Puerto Rico reports that Hernández Rivera, who also leads the Popular Democratic Party, demanded in a written statement that the government focus on repairing electricity and water rather than status issues. Dalmau called the initiative a desperate act aimed at diverting attention from scandals surrounding the administration.

According to Telemundo Puerto Rico, González Colón responded by accusing the resident commissioner of being inconsistent. She launched personal attacks against him. She assured that her administration is handling status issues, water, and the power grid simultaneously, and that federal funds are essential for water and energy projects.

The governor's next steps

Metro Puerto Rico notes that González Colón sees this request as a different step from past efforts since it formalizes a government claim rather than simply transmitting the results of consultations. She refuses to see it as a new beginning and presents it as the continuation of the actions of José Celso Barbosa, Luis A. Ferré, Santiago Iglesias Pantín, and Carlos Romero Barceló.

She said she wants to act without waiting for the election year and will continue her efforts with Congress, regardless of which party controls it. She cited the cases of Hawaii and Alaska. According to her, proponents of statehood will continue to visit Congress.