1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

Re: Supporting Self-Determination and Statehood for Puerto Rico in the Lame-Duck SessionDear Senator Young and Senator Banks,As a constituent from Indiana, I am writing to respectfully urge you to support legislation granting statehood—or supporting a binding self-determination process—for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico during the upcoming lame-duck session of Congress.More than 3.2 million American citizens live in Puerto Rico. They serve in our nation's armed forces, contribute to the federal treasury, and enrich American culture and history. Yet, despite holding U.S. citizenship, residents of the island lack full voting representation in the Senate, do not have a voting member in the House of Representatives, and cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections. Self-determination and equality under the law are fundamental principles of our constitutional republic. In multiple local plebiscites, a majority of Puerto Rican voters have expressed a clear preference to resolve their territorial status in favor of statehood. Supporting a transition to statehood fulfills the promise of equal rights and full constitutional participation for millions of fellow Americans. As leaders representing the state of Indiana, your voice on this issue carries significant weight. I strongly encourage you both to work with your Senate colleagues during the remaining legislative days of this Congress to advance self-determination legislation for Puerto Rico to the Senate floor for a vote.Thank you for your leadership, your dedication to Indiana, and your consideration of this vital matter regarding American democracy.