Begin process of admitting Puerto Rico as the 51st state of the union.

It is time to admit Puerto Rico as a state in the union. In the 2012 Puerto Rican status referendum, two questions were asked. In the first question, a majority of 54% voted to end Puerto Rico's present status as a territory. The second question continued by asking if Puerto Rico should become a state, become completely independent, or become an independent nation with free association with the United States. A clear majority of 61% voted for statehood. Despite the clear results, congress has not acted on the issue. Since 1898, Puerto Rico has been an unincorporated territory of the United States, with only limited representation in government. It is time now and forever to rid Puerto Rico of this oppressive status and to welcome it with open arms as an equal member of the Union.