Washington, D.C., March 6, 2026 – Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, alongside Gabriella Boffelli, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA), led the Second Puerto Rico Statehood Summit in the nation’s capital, an important strategic event that brought together members of Congress, federal officials, representatives, senators, mayors, allies of Puerto Rico, and emerging young leaders to continue advancing the cause of statehood for the American citizens residing on the island.

During meetings held throughout Washington, the governor underscored Puerto Rico’s importance in strengthening the nation and delivered the message that statehood for the island is not only a matter of justice and equality, but also an opportunity to strengthen the United States’ economy, national security, and strategic development. PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli also highlighted the agency’s key role as organizer and coordinator of the summit.

“From PRFAA, we continue working to strengthen Puerto Rico’s presence in Washington and ensure that the voice of the American citizens who live on the island is heard. This summit reflects a coordinated effort to educate and advance statehood, which represents equality, economic development, and greater opportunities for both Puerto Rico and the entire nation,” said Boffelli.

As part of the summit’s agenda, Governor González-Colón held meetings with several federal agency leaders and members of Congress.

At the White House, she met with President Donald Trump’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, to discuss progress achieved and future initiatives aimed at strengthening and ensuring Puerto Rico’s economic prosperity.

She also met with Doug Burgum, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, to discuss strategies to continue accelerating the reconstruction and modernization of critical infrastructure on the island—particularly the energy system—as well as reforms to permitting processes and interagency collaboration. With Scott Turner, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), she discussed the continuity and strengthening of federal resources allocated to Puerto Rico.

In the healthcare arena, the Governor met with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), along with senior Medicare and Medicaid officials, to discuss alternatives to strengthen Medicaid funding, improve Medicare Advantage benefits, and expand access to healthcare services for residents of the island. Puerto Rico Secretary of Health Víctor Ramos also participated in this meeting.

Governor González-Colón also met with Linda McMahon, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, to discuss initiatives to improve academic outcomes in Puerto Rico, expand the number of public schools offering instruction in English, and continue effectively leveraging federal funds allocated to the island’s education system.

On the congressional front, the Governor held discussions with Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, to discuss collaboration with the federal administration to strengthen the island’s electric system and promote “reshoring” strategies to expand manufacturing in Puerto Rico and secure U.S. supply chains.

Other members of Congress with whom the Governor met included Representative Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, to discuss Medicaid funding; Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, regarding preparations for a potential transition to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Representative Ron Estes of Kansas, with whom she worked to ensure the inclusion of the Rum Tax Cover Over permanent increase in the One Big Beautiful Bill; Senator Ashley Moody of Florida; Representative Bill Huizenga of Michigan, who supports Puerto Rico statehood; and Senator Rick Scott of Florida, whom the Governor thanked for his consistent support for Puerto Rico and his commitment to expanding economic opportunities for the island’s 3.2 million American citizens.

The summit also included meetings with other members of Congress such as Congressman Brian Mast of Florida, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Darren Soto of Florida, as well as discussions with federal leaders to promote statehood while highlighting Puerto Rico’s strategic role in U.S. national security, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and military operations.

During the event, Governor González-Colón also highlighted the work of the students participating in the Córdova and Fernós Internship Program, who are currently collaborating at Puerto Rico’s office in Washington.

“Puerto Rico has a new generation of young people who are prepared, committed, and ready to take on great responsibilities. Their talent and dedication demonstrate the enormous potential of our island,” the Governor said.

For her part, PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli emphasized that the summit is part of a coordinated strategy to continue strengthening relationships with Congress and the federal administration while actively advancing the cause of statehood and promoting policies that benefit Puerto Rico.

During the summit, the Governor recognized former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland as a “Champion of Statehood,” presenting him with the Governor’s Medal, a proclamation, and a formal recognition. The same distinction was also awarded to Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska. The event also featured participation by former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress, who continues advocating for Puerto Rico statehood following her retirement.

The Puerto Rico Equality and Statehood Summit 2026 is part of Governor González Colón’s public policy to continue advancing Puerto Rico statehood in Washington, reflecting the mandate expressed by voters in the most recent elections, with the goal of strengthening opportunities for Puerto Ricans and reducing the need for residents to relocate to the mainland.

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