Official English Is More Popular Than Puerto Rico Statehood In U.S. Senate

The English Language Unity Act is more popular than the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act in the U.S. Senate.

ProEnglish has worked very closely with Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), the main sponsor of the English Language Unity Act in the U.S. Senate, in order to gain more cosponsors of the bill (S.678), and to date the English Language Unity Act has attracted more cosponsors than the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act in the U.S. Senate.

ProEnglish also is working with Sen. Inhofe to file the English Language Unity Act as an amendment to a budget resolution or an immigration bill.

Regarding the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stands opposed to the bill, and has gone on record by stating, “I don’t agree with them, I’m not going to support their [Puerto Rico] statehood bill.”

ProEnglish Board of Directors Chair Dr. Rosalie Porter has stated that “any legislative attempt by the island to become the 51st state must stipulate that English become its primary official language of the government, courts, and school system.”

Dr. Porter added: “Let’s remember that the 2011 recommendations from President Barack Obama’s Task Force on Puerto Rico’s Status says that if the U.S. commonwealth ever applies for statehood, Congress has ultimate authority over admission and English must play a central role in the daily life of the island. At a minimum, we believe a large majority must become fluent in English for statehood to be even considered.”