Puerto Rico

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez supports a process of self-determination for Puerto Rico, under which residents of the island could choose between statehood, free association, independence or another arrangement other than its current colonial status. She believes that Congress imposing any one option on Puerto Rico would be the culmination of colonization. 

Under her proposed legislation with Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and Senator Bob Menendez, Puerto Ricans would first elect delegates to a 'status convention,' where they come up with a solution for the island’s territorial status. A referendum vote will then be held on the island to allow Puerto Ricans to vote on the delegates' recommendations. This bill was informed by groups on the Island and is endorsed by over 80 progressive organizations and is status-agnostic. 

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez has also been active in demanding additional resources for the Island, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Maria, Fiona, and other natural disasters. She supports a Marshall Plan that centers a community-led, sustainable, and just recovery effort. Additionally, she advocates for the cancellation of all of Puerto Rico's debt, an immediate review of the Jones Act, and a repeal of the PROMESA Act. For more information on the Puerto Rico related legislation Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez supports, please see below.