Free Republic

Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said in an interview tonight that Congress is “morally obligated” to act. Pierluisi says that he expects the House to propose legislation for Puerto Rican statehood by mid-March. The governor cited discussions with lawmakers, including Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and Del. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico), for his prediction, adding that statehood would provide new access to programs, such as Medicaid and the earned income tax credit. “What I anticipate is that there will be considerable support for a statehood bill in this Congress.” “The U.S. could be expanding by admitting Puerto Rico into the union,”...

Even as he didn't outline what his Covid mitigation measures will be, Governor Pedro Pierluisi affirmed that curfews are an assault on individual liberties. In spite of this, the Executive stated that some of the ex-Governor's measures to mitigate the spread of the virus could remain, albeit with modifications. "What I want is not what's important, but my instinct would be to eliminate the curfews, because, as you know, the virus is with us 24/7. It's not like the virus only comes out after 9:00 PM. My instinct is that the people should always keep their freedom of movement and...

Democrats in general, and Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi in particular, were searching for ways Wednesday to follow through with health care reform for the nation, and the island, in the wake of the devastating Democratic election defeat in Massachusetts. Up until the Tuesday election, “Puerto Rico was faring very well” in getting favorable provisions in the final legislation that Democratic leaders and the White House were at the point of agreeing on, said the resident commissioner. But now “the Massachusetts result changes the landscape,” Pierluisi said. At the least, “this means more work and more time” to get health care...