DON YOUNG CConanessinan Fo Au ALASEA commrrret on [NATURAL RESOURCES CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON ‘TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE nepuauicaN Congress of the United States oe aoe ‘House of Representatives Mlashington, HG. 20515 October 14, 2016 The Honorable Orrin Hatch Chairman Congressional Task Force on Economic Growth in Puerto Rico 219 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairman Hatch and Task Force Members: There is no doubt that action is needed to address the economic depression that is plaguing Puerto Rico. That said, many of the proposals before the Task Force are related to its symptoms and not the underlying disease. It must be recognized that Puerto Rico's prolonged economic decline is due in large part to its second class political status as a territory and the islands will not reach their potential until they attain an empowered permanent status that includes equality. The State that | represent is the second youngest in the Nation. With Alaska having won statehood in 1959, | have seen firsthand how statehood invigorated its economy. As a longtime member and former Chairman of the House committee with lead jurisdiction on matters concerning the territories and the current Chairman of the subcommittee that handles insular affairs, | also know that Puerto Rico's unequal, inconsistent treatment in Federal tax and program laws has prevented its economic growth, As part of the 2012 elections, Puerto Rico held a plebiscite that asked the islands’ residents their preference on the territory's status. Voters rejected territory status and 61 percent chose statehood in preference to nationhood. Congress should honor their self-determination decision. The Task Force may not be the forum to analyze the moral arguments on equality for Puerto Ricans or, even, how Congress should approach the status issue. It will not adequately address its mission, however, if it does not recognize the link between resolving the status question and improving the islands’ economic condition. The 3.3 million Americans in Puerto Rico are represented by one non-voting resident commissioner in the House, have no seats in the Senate, and have no Electoral College votes. Puerto Rico's inability to impact the Federal laws that govern the islands and shape their economy reflect this. The need for PROMESA itself arose because Puerto Rico is not treated in the same fashion under our nation’s bankruptcy law as a State.Puerto Rico's uncertain status makes it more difficult to attract investment. Businesses limit their investment when they see how Federal tax laws governing the territory are in constant flux. Federal policy decisions often provide no assurance of permanence. In addition, local politics are often so consumed with the debate over status that basic local governing functions suffer. | respectfully request that, as the Task Force considers the multitude of ideas that it has received, you emphasize Puerto Rico's status and second-class, inconsistent treatment in law as undermining its economic well-being Sincerely, n Young Congressman for All Aska