Recently, the Congressional Research group issued a report on the Puerto Rico status dilemma. Although the report did not offer anything new to the debate it did provide an outline of Puerto Rico’s colonial history while under U.S. control, past and recent efforts by island and mainland elected officials to resolve the undetermined political status, and a short description of the various status options available. The information was presented in an effort to shed light upon recent developments concerning the resolution of the status issue.

First, it discussed a historic move made by the Puerto Rico Legislature in March and April of 2005 through its debate and approval of legislation which called upon the President and U.S. Congress to express their commitment to resolving the political status issue. Second, the report informed readers about the upcoming proposal by the President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico which is expected to be presented by December 2005. More importantly, the report written by Keith Bea, brought up extremely valid points regarding why the political status of Puerto Rico has yet to be resolved and the responsibility both legislators on the island and mainland have towards making the issue move forward.

Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuño has already taken the initiative to send copies of the CRS to House and Senate leaders and chairmen of committees dealing with island status. In his mission to inform others regarding the importance of this civil and social rights issue Fortuño acknowledged that although educating one another is very important it is not all that is needed. He contends in order for the process to move along bilateral agreements must be made between the people of Puerto Rico and Congress. But, this is a reality that has been recognized time and time again during discussions regarding status. What will make this recommendation different this time around? What will it take for the people of Puerto Rico to break political gridlocks? What must be done for Congress to decide to bring an end to years of inaction? When will the people of Puerto Rico be given the opportunity to decide between non-colonial, non-territorial alternatives?