Pablo José Hernández, the resident commissioner of Puerto Rico and president of the Partido Popular Democrático (PPD), seeks a fair deal for Puerto Rico in federal programs. In an interview with Metro Puerto Rico, Hernández acknowledged that the Estado Libre Asociado (ELA) needs improvements, including not being affected by laws it cannot approve or reject.
He also wants to identify a mechanism to give Puerto Rico more significant participation in federal decision-making. When asked if statehood would solve these concerns, Hernández replied that it would come with more taxes, which Puerto Rico cannot afford, and would also affect the island's identity, such as its participation in the Olympics. Hernández emphasized the importance of having just and democratic processes to discuss these issues. He has filed a bill in Congress, H.R., related to a status selection process.