Mr.

Eden Ramirez, Executive Vice Chair

Mr.George Nassar, Parlamentarian Mr. John Lechuga, Vice Chair of Political Affairs

Mr. Anthony Carrillo, Secretary Ms. Kayleigh Garcia, Treasurer Mr. Kenny Roberts, Outreach Vice Chair

Mr. Phillip Arroyo, Chair 1 ST Executive Board 2012-2013

Young Democrats of America Hispanic Caucus (YDAHC) RESOLUTION 2013-01 presented to the Young Democrats of America National Committee at the YDA National Convention August 11th, 2013 IN SAN ANTONIO, USA
Resolution SUPPORTING THE IMMEDIATE ADMISSION OF PUERTO RICO AS A STATE OF THE UNION

The Young Democrats of America National Committee hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: Whereas On March 11th, 2011, the White House released the Presidents Task Force Report on Puerto Ricos Political Status which stated: The Task Force recommends that the President and Congress support any transparent, and swift effort that is consistent with and reflects the will of the people of Puerto Rico and supports by a marginal preference a process which consists of a two-tier plebiscite. If the process produces a clear result, Congress should act on it quickly with the Presidents support. Whereas Several months after the release of the Task Force Report, President Obama traveled to Puerto Rico and delivered a speech where he stated as follows: A report from our presidential task force on Puerto Rican status provided a meaningful way forward on this question so that the residents of the island can determine their own future. And when the people of Puerto Rico make a clear decision, my administration will stand by you. President Barack Obama, June 14th, 2011; Whereas On November 6ththe same day as the U.S. general elections and Puerto Ricos local electionsPR held a political status plebiscite authorized by local law. The plebiscite ballot consisted of 2 questions. On the first question, voters were asked whether they want Puerto Rico to remain a U.S. territory, the status the Island has had since 1898. The people of Puerto Rico rejected the current territorial status by a irrefutable 54% to 46% vote and expressed their overwhelming support in favor of becoming the 51st state of the Union with over 61% of votes cast, therefore officially withdrawing the consent of the people of Puerto Rico to be governed under a partially democratic and territorial status for the first time in American history.

Whereas Shortly after the referendum process, the Obama administration released the following statement in regards to the referendum results: To clarify, the results were clear, the people of Puerto Rico want the issue of status resolved, and a majority chose statehood in the second question, Therefore, be it resolved: Section 1: The Young Democrats of America and its entire national, state and local leadership urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to: Section 2: Facilitate the immediate Admission of Puerto Rico as a State of the Union; The Democratic Party is the party of the people and according to the White Houses official statement on the plebiscite results, Statehood in fact won, Puerto Rico spoke loud and clear and their voices should ultimately be respected; Section 3: This Resolution was approved unanimously by the Young Democrats of America National Committee on August 11th, 2013;

_____________________ Phillip Arroyo President YDA Hispanic Caucus

______________________ Anthony Carrillo Secretary YDA Hispanic Caucus