Self-determination for Puerto Rico need not be a partisan issue. An impressive bipartisan group of Senators have endorsed the non-binding self-determination measure. The Senate Republican Task Force on Hispanic Issues, chaired by Senator Hatch, has recommended Senate action on the measure, reaching its conclusion after a studious review of all its aspects. President Clinton strongly supports the process. The House of Representatives passed a reasonable bill in H.R. 856, and current action by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hopefully will lead promptly to a vote by the Senate on S. 472. We hope that you will agree with fellow members of your leadership team, such as Senator Craig and Senator Mack, who advocate Senate action on S. 472 in this session of Congress.
The Hispanic Coalition for Puerto Rican Self-Determination views this as a priority issue for all Hispanic Americans. The Center for Research and Public Policy found that 90 % of Hispanics in the United States support self-determination for Puerto Rico. The Univision Television Network discovered that Hispanic voter participation in 1998 is likely to be well above the national average of 94%. Hispanics provide a swing vote in some of the nation's largest states. It is obvious that neither political party can ignore issues of importance to the Hispanic community. It is also apparent that our voters place issues above party labels. The Univision poll revealed high approval ratings for Republicans who have aggressively supported Hispanic issues, such as Texas Governor George W. Bush (81%), who also supports self-determination for Puerto Rico. Moreover, a recent poll by Wirthlin Worldwide of U.S. mainland citizens found overwhelming support for Puerto Rican self-determination.
Our coalition holds that the right of self-determination is fundamental to American democracy and that Puerto Ricans have earned that right. Its sons and daughters have contributed to all aspects of American life. Their record of military service to the United States is impressive. In the Second World War, 65,034 Puerto Ricans served in the U.S. armed forces. Over 60,000 served in Vietnam. The first American soldier killed in Somalia in 1993 was from Puerto Rico, and one of the pilots shot down over Lybia in 1986 was Puerto Rican. Through their patriotism and service, the people of Puerto Rico deserve to decide their political future.
Under the U.S. Constitution, Puerto Rico cannot address issues of political status on its own. Only Congress can initiate a meaningful process leading to a permanent resolution of political status for the island. We urge you to provide leadership on this important issue by promptly scheduling S. 472 for consideration by the full Senate. In so doing, you will display a statesmanship that has been sadly lacking in a century of congressional dealings with Puerto Rico and its loyal American citizens.
Sincerely,
Rick Dovalina, President, League of United Latin American Citizens
Ron Montoya, Chairman, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Jose Rivera, National Chairman, Republican National Hispanic Assembly
Andres Tobar, Executive Director, National Association of Hispanic Publications
Al Zapanta, Chairman, National Hispanic Policy Forum
Jake Alarid, National Commander, American G.I. Forum
About LULAC | Members | Programs | Issues | Events | Publications | Links | Site Map | Home | Email