The Prospects of Another U.S. State: Puerto Rico or Guam?

The United States currently comprises 50 states, but there remains a debate over whether new territories could become the next state. Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and Guam are among the territories that have garnered attention for their potential statehood. This article explores the current political landscape, focusing on Puerto Rico and Guam, and discusses the factors that influence their suitability for statehood.

Current Political Landscape

Currently, two territories are in the running for statehood: the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. While both territories are large enough, there are several uncertainties surrounding their path to statehood. A new state can only be admitted with a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House, making this process slow and potentially obstructed.

Washington D.C. has been a strong contender for statehood, but becoming a state would require a significant counterbalance. Suggestions have included dividing Texas, which would add two Senators to the other Democrats and help achieve the two-thirds majority needed for statehood.

Puerto Rico, if it could achieve a clear and decisive referendum through a plebiscite, would also be a strong contender. However, it's important to note that the current political climate, dominated by the Republican Party, makes it highly unlikely for Puerto Rico to achieve statehood without significant internal and external challenges.

Puerto Rico's Case

Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean and has over a million residents, making it a serious candidate for statehood. Given its proximity to the mainland and its Americanization, many believed it would be a prime candidate. However, recent political events, particularly the treatment of Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria, have cast a shadow on this potential.

While Puerto Rico's citizens have been U.S. citizens since 1917, the financial and economic struggles faced by the island, exacerbated by U.S. policies, make it a contentious issue. These factors combined with the political reluctance of the Republican Party to admit another Democratic-leaning state make Puerto Rico's path to statehood uncertain.

Guam's Potential

Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, has also been mentioned as a potential state. Unlike Puerto Rico, Guam is more akin to a U.S. territory in terms of its demographics and political leanings, making it a more stable candidate compared to Puerto Rico. Guam has a population of about 170,000 and is strategically important to the U.S. military, which would give it a distinct advantage in the statehood debate.

Guam residents are U.S. citizens by birth and have served in the U.S. military, making them a natural fit for statehood. However, the political climate and the need for a two-thirds majority in Congress still pose significant hurdles. Additionally, Guam's smaller size and current political climate make it less of a priority for many advocates of statehood.

The Need for Reform in the U.S. Political System

The current lack of representation for residents of territories, such as Puerto Rico and Guam, highlights the need for a more inclusive and democratic political system. The 50-state system effectively disenfranchises individuals living in these territories, denying them the right to federal representation and voting for President.

Advocates for statehood argue that this uneven representation is unjust and that all U.S. citizens should have an equal voice in Congress and in the federal government. The ongoing debates over territories becoming states reflect broader discussions about the balance of power, democracy, and representation within the United States.

Conclusion

While both Puerto Rico and Guam have their merits as potential U.S. states, the political climate and practical challenges make either outcome uncertain. Despite recent movements towards statehood, the pathway to achieving it remains fraught with obstacles. The debate over Puerto Rico and Guam's future as states underscores the need for reform in the U.S. political system to better represent all citizens, regardless of where they live.