Senator Martinez is now on record as favoring a reexamination of the status of the Spanish-only island of Puerto Rico (see below).

The people of Puerto Rico have already rejected U.S. statehood three times.

A 51st state of Puerto Rico would be a disaster for the Republican agenda, as it would send two Senators and at least seven Congressmen to Washington, D.C.

While some of that delegation may be Republican in name, they will be representing a land with half the income of our nation's poorest state. Think West Virginia or Alaska, only poorer. On every day in every way, a Congressional delegation from Puerto Rico will work to obtain every bit of pork barrel spending possible.
 

MARTINEZ: TIME TO REVIEW POLICY TOWARD PUERTO RICO

November 15, 2006 - Washington, DC

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) called today’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to review the results from the President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico’s status, “an opportunity to understand and help advance Puerto Rico’s future.”

Martinez said:

“When considering Puerto Rico’s status, it is clear that we have been left in an untenable circumstance regarding what the future will hold for the people of Puerto Rico. This hearing is an important step forward in answering many of the questions that have, for too long, gone unanswered.

“This hearing gives us an opportunity to review current policy, how we got to where we are, and to discuss where it is we are heading.

“It is with a tone of civility that we should open this hearing, because there is, I believe, a firm understanding that we are here today to determine what is in the best interests of all U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and to better understand the constitutional options available to future generations of U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico.

“I believe the democratic will of the Puerto Rican people is paramount for the future status of the territory. The process should begin with an expression from the people of Puerto Rico on whether to maintain current territorial status or establish a permanent non-territorial status with regard to the United States. It is their future and they must play a key role in determining the ultimate status of Puerto Rico.”