Official English More Popular Than Puerto Rico Status Act In U.S. Senate

The English Language Unity Act (S.678) is more popular than the Puerto Rico Status Act (S.4560) in the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the Puerto Rico Status Act in the U.S. Senate. To date, it has attracted 0 cosponsors.

Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) introduced the English Language Unity Act in the U.S. Senate. To date, it has attracted 6 additional cosponsors in addition to Sen. Inhofe.

The Puerto Rico Status Act would allow Puerto Rico’s residents to vote on 4 different options: independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, statehood, or continuing as a commonwealth.

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

ProEnglish has worked very closely with Sen. Inhofe to gain more cosponsors of the English Language Unity Act in the Senate, and also to potentially include it as an amendment in a larger budget resolution or immigration bill.

ProEnglish Board of Directors Chairwoman and President 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.”