Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, of which she is a co-sponsor:

“For decades, Puerto Ricans have been hoping for a chance to have a voice but have been thwarted time and again. Puerto Ricans, in a fair and democratic process, deserve to have the opportunity to have their say.”

The Puerto Rico Democracy Act would authorize the government of Puerto Rico to conduct an election on whether the commonwealth wants to vote on its political status. If a majority votes yes, then Puerto Rican voters will be asked whether they want Puerto Rico to become fully independent from the United States; sovereignty in association with the United States; or to become a state.