Mano a Mano: U.S. & Puerto Rico, Journey Toward A More Perfect Union

PR51st
  • 5.0 (13)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Mano a Mano, a podcast amplifying the voices of leaders, thinkers, activists, and allies from across the political spectrum who support Puerto Rico’s fight for full democracy and self-determination. Join co-hosts George Laws-García and Martin Rivera as they dive into current events through the lens of U.S.-Puerto Rico relations and reveal how the Caribbean island’s political status can serve as a powerful vantage point for understanding some of the most fundamental questions facing America today. Each month, Martin and George interview key voices to bridge divides, offer in-depth analysis, and foster understanding while collectively working to build a more perfect Union - both for the U.S. Citizens of Puerto Rico and everyone who still believes in the fundamental American values of democracy, equal rights, and government by consent of the governed.

  1. Why Puerto Rico's Status Matters to All Americans: Expert Insights on Democracy, Economics & Security | Season Recap

    DEC 18

    Why Puerto Rico's Status Matters to All Americans: Expert Insights on Democracy, Economics & Security | Season Recap

    As 2025 draws to a close, we're taking a look back at one of the most consequential years in Puerto Rico's modern history. This special season recap episode of the Mano a Mano podcast brings together the most powerful moments from conversations with leading experts who've helped illuminate the interconnected challenges facing Puerto Rico and why these issues matter for all Americans. Host George Laws Garcia, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council, revisits compelling discussions that reveal how Puerto Rico's territorial status isn't just a local issue, it's deeply connected to American democracy, economic policy, healthcare equity, national security, and the fundamental question of whether the United States will live up to its founding principles for all its citizens. This year brought seismic shifts: the Trump administration's unprecedented firing of six Financial Oversight Board members with a single executive action, demonstrating the absolute power the federal government holds over 3.2 million U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico. We saw a $10,000 per-person federal healthcare funding gap that threatens medical access for 1.5 million Puerto Ricans. An ongoing energy crisis that continues blocking billions in disaster recovery funds. And a massive military buildup in the Caribbean as America pivots to confront threats from China, Russia, and Venezuela—all while Puerto Ricans serve without federal voting rights. Through expert analysis and personal insights, this recap connects the dots between constitutional law, fiscal policy, healthcare inequality, energy infrastructure, and geopolitical strategy. These aren't abstract political debates—they're about real people, real challenges, and the urgent need for real solutions through citizen equality and federal legislation. Featured Experts in This Episode: Professor Christina Ponsa-Kraus (Columbia Law School) - On the democratic deficit exposed by the Oversight Board crisis and why territorial "autonomy" is a colonial trapLuis Pizarro (Former President, Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce) - Breaking down the $10,000 healthcare funding gap between Puerto Rico and statesThomas King (Energy Policy Expert) - Explaining 40 years of energy mismanagement and why bankruptcy blocks reconstructionRetired Brigadier General Victor Paris (36 years in Puerto Rico National Guard) - On the unprecedented Caribbean military deployment and Puerto Rico's strategic importanceSimon Carlo Valentín (Tax Attorney & CPA) - How the MEDS Act could reshore manufacturing while creating jobs across distressed communitiesGabriela Boffelli (Senior Advisor to Governor Jennifer González-Colón) - The administration's priorities for hurricane preparedness, infrastructure deployment, and economic developmentThe Path Forward: Recognition isn't enough. We need action. This movement has grown throughout 2025, with more Americans—both on the island and stateside—recognizing that the current territorial status is unsustainable and unjust. But real change requires citizen engagement, federal legislation, and a collective commitment to making America live up to its founding promise of government by consent of the governed.   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    50 min
  2. Why Puerto Rico Veterans Fight for Statehood: Venezuela Crisis, Military Service & Why Statehood Matters Now

    NOV 21

    Why Puerto Rico Veterans Fight for Statehood: Venezuela Crisis, Military Service & Why Statehood Matters Now

    Why do 35,000 Puerto Rican service members fight for a democracy they can't fully participate in? In this powerful episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, host George Laws Garcia sits down with Brigadier General Victor Perez —a 36-year military veteran who rose from enlisted soldier to general in the Puerto Rico National Guard—to discuss the contradiction of military service without voting rights. General Perez shares his decades of experience advocating in Congress for Puerto Rican veterans and statehood, explaining why 250,000 Puerto Ricans have served throughout U.S. history—earning 9 Medals of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal for the 65th Infantry Regiment—yet still cannot vote for their Commander-in-Chief or Congressional representatives when living on the island. This conversation takes on new urgency as the U.S. deploys significant military forces to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean in response to drug trafficking, Venezuelan instability, and growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region. General Perez provides firsthand insight into why Puerto Rico's strategic location makes it indispensable to U.S. national security—and why statehood would benefit both Puerto Rico's 3.2 million citizens and America's geopolitical interests. In this episode: Why 35,000 Puerto Rican service members serve without voting representationPuerto Rico's military contributions: 9 Medal of Honor recipients & 250,000+ veteransThe current U.S. military buildup in Puerto Rico and the CaribbeanChinese and Russian influence in Latin America and why it mattersHow Puerto Rico's strategic location factors into U.S. defense strategyWhy the territorial status creates inequality for veterans and their familiesHow statehood would secure democracy and economic opportunity for future generationsWhat Puerto Ricans on the island think about increased military presencePersonal stories of veteran advocates who've lobbied Congress for decadesTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Veterans Day Tribute  03:45 Puerto Rico's Military Service Record: 250,000+ Veterans  06:15 Serving Without Representation: The Democratic Deficit  12:35 Veteran Advocates: Stories of Sacrifice and Persistence  18:25 What Statehood Would Mean for Future Generations  23:30 Economic Inequality: Territory vs. State Status  29:10 The Fiscal Oversight Board and Colonial Control  33:20 Current Caribbean Military Deployment Explained  40:15 Chinese & Russian Influence in Latin America  45:50 Venezuela Crisis and U.S. Strategic Response  51:40 Why Puerto Rico is Key to Western Hemisphere Security  56:25 How Puerto Ricans View Military Presence on the Island  01:02:10 Advice for Statehood Advocates: Never Quit  01:08:45 Conclusion & Call to Action 🔔 Subscribe for conversations about Puerto Rico's path to equality and democracy through statehood. #PuertoRico #Veterans #MilitaryService #PuertoRicoStatehood #VotingRights #NationalSecurity #Caribbean #VenezuelaCrisis #ChinaInfluence #ManoAManoPodcast #BrigadierGeneral #VeteransRights #Democracy #Equality #CongressionalRepresentation   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    50 min

  3. OCT 30

    Puerto Rico's Healthcare Crisis: Medicaid Inequality, Hospital Closures & The Fight for Federal Equity w Luis E. Pizarro Otero Esq.

    Why does Puerto Rico's healthcare system face constant funding shortfalls despite serving U.S. citizens? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, host George Laws Garcia sits down with healthcare policy expert Luis E. Pizarro Otero, Esq., to unpack the structural inequalities that have created a healthcare crisis in Puerto Rico. Luis, who has spent over 15 years advocating for Puerto Rico healthcare policy in Washington, D.C., shares his firsthand experience witnessing how territorial status creates a two-tiered system where Puerto Ricans receive less federal Medicaid and Medicare support than any U.S. state. We explore how the Affordable Care Act improved but didn't fully solve Puerto Rico's healthcare funding gap, why hospitals are closing across the island, and how this drives medical migration to the mainland. This conversation reveals the real-world consequences of Puerto Rico's unequal treatment under federal programs—from the Medicaid cliff and Medicare payment disparities to the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector that supplies 50% of America's top medications while facing its own healthcare shortages. The episode sheds light on how achieving statehood would fundamentally transform Puerto Rico's healthcare landscape by guaranteeing equal federal funding formulas and ending the cycle of temporary funding patches. In this episode: How Puerto Rico's Medicaid funding compares to states (55% vs. 83% federal match)The Affordable Care Act's temporary fix and the ongoing funding cliffWhy Puerto Rico hospitals are closing despite serving U.S. citizensMedicare Advantage disparities and healthcare provider challengesHow territorial status affects pharmaceutical manufacturing in Puerto RicoThe medical migration crisis: providers and patients fleeing to the mainlandPrivate insurance challenges and workforce healthcare accessWhy statehood would end healthcare inequality through permanent federal parityTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Luis Pizarro's Healthcare Advocacy Journey 03:45 The Medicaid Funding Gap: 55% vs. 83% Federal Match 07:30 How the Affordable Care Act Changed Puerto Rico Healthcare 12:45 The Medicaid Cliff and Temporary Funding Patches 18:20 Hospital Closures and Healthcare System Contraction 23:30 Medicare Payment Disparities for Puerto Rico Providers 28:15 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Puerto Rico's Critical Role 33:40 The Medical Migration Crisis: Providers Leaving for Mainland 38:50 Healthcare Workforce Shortages and Economic Impact 44:20 Congressional Attitudes: From Low IQ to Growing Understanding 48:30 Private Health Insurance Challenges in Puerto Rico 53:00 The Private Patient Paradox: Last in Line for Care 56:30 Why Statehood Provides the Permanent Healthcare Solution 🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into how Puerto Rico's territorial status affects real policy issues. Guest Bio: Luis E. Pizarro Otero, Esq., is a healthcare policy expert who has advocated for Puerto Rico healthcare equity in Washington, D.C. for over 15 years. He previously served as President of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce and has worked extensively with the Puerto Rico Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Products Association (MMAPA) on federal healthcare policy. #PuertoRico #Healthcare #Medicaid #Medicare #LuisPizarro #ManoAManoPodcast #PuertoRicoStatehood #HealthcareInequality #AffordableCareAct #HospitalClosures #MedicalMigration #TerritorialStatus #HealthcarePolicy #FederalEquity   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    1h 4m
  4. Puerto Rico at the Crossroads | Government Shutdown, Venezuela Tensions & Bad Bunny's Economic Impact

    SEP 30

    Puerto Rico at the Crossroads | Government Shutdown, Venezuela Tensions & Bad Bunny's Economic Impact

    As the federal government faces another potential shutdown, what does this mean for Puerto Rico's 14,000 federal employees and essential services? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, hosts George Laws Garcia and Martin Rivera analyze the ongoing federal government funding fight, escalating military tensions with Venezuela, updates on the island’s Financial Oversight & Management Board (FOMB), and the unprecedented economic impact of Bad Bunny's record-breaking residency. They discuss President Trump's controversial dismissal of Puerto Rico's FOMB members and the resulting legal challenges, the strategic military buildup on the island in response to Venezuelan narco-trafficking operations, and how Bad Bunny's 30-show residency generated over $713 million for Puerto Rico's economy while sparking fresh debate about the island's political status. In this episode: Government shutdown deadline: What's at stake for Puerto Rico's federal workers?U.S. military strikes off Venezuela's coast and Puerto Rico's strategic roleMilitary buildup in Puerto Rico: Roosevelt Roads and Ramey Air Force Base reactivationIsland public opinion polls showing 70-88% support for U.S. military presencePresident Trump fires six of seven FOMB membersLegal challenges to FOMB member dismissals and constitutional questionsBad Bunny's residency: 600,000 attendees and $713 million economic impactPolitical status debate: Artist advocacy vs. voter preferencesTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 00:38 Government Funding Crisis: Seven Days to Shutdown 02:30 House and Senate Proposals: What's the Difference? 03:30 U.S. Military Action Against Venezuelan Drug Boats 05:00 Puerto Rico's Strategic Value in Caribbean Security 06:15 Military Buildup: Pre-Positioning Assets on the Island 07:05 Island Leadership Response to Military Presence 08:20 Public Polling: Strong Support for Military Facilities 09:35 National Security Importance of Puerto Rico 10:20 Financial Oversight & Management Board Crisis Explained 12:02 Presidential Appointment Process Under PROMESA 12:35 Legal Challenges by Fired Board Members 14:10 Impact on Energy Grid Restructuring and PREPA Debt 15:00 First Balanced Budget Achievement 15:45 Bad Bunny Residency: Record-Breaking Economic Impact 16:40 Tourism Statistics and Global Reach 18:16 Bad Bunny's Political Stance on Statehood 19:30 Democracy Through the Ballot Box vs. Celebrity Opinion 20:10 Conclusion & Call to Action 🔔 Subscribe for weekly analysis of Puerto Rico's political, economic, and cultural developments. #PuertoRico #GovernmentShutdown #Venezuela #MilitarySecurity #FOMB # LaJunta #BadBunny #PuertoRicoEconomy #ManoAManoPodcast #PuertoRicoStatehood #Tourism #NationalSecurity #CaribbeanSecurity   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    21 min
  5. Escaping the Colonial Trap of “Autonomy” - Significance, history and which better visions are possible with Prof. Christina Ponsa-Kraus | Mano a Mano

    AUG 29

    Escaping the Colonial Trap of “Autonomy” - Significance, history and which better visions are possible with Prof. Christina Ponsa-Kraus | Mano a Mano

    Has Puerto Rico been trapped in a colonial status under the guise of  local "autonomy"? Why is Puerto Rico still called a "Commonwealth" when it's actually a U.S. territory under colonial rule? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, host George Laws Garcia sits down with Columbia Law Professor Christina Ponsa-Kraus to explore both the constitutional reality of Puerto Rico's status and the fascinating history of Puerto Rican autonomism that today's politicians have completely misrepresented. Professor Ponsa-Kraus, who helped draft the Puerto Rico Status Act that passed the House in 2022, reveals how self-proclaimed "autonomist" politicians like Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández have misinterpreted 19th-century ideology end ended up promoting the exact opposite of what the original autonomists wanted. We explore how some of the autonomist leaders - like Federico Degetau González and José Celso Barbosa - actually embraced American statehood as the fulfillment of their goals for genuine self-government, not as a threat to Puerto Rican identity. This deep-dive conversation exposes how "Commonwealth" is essentially a misleading label for what is legally a territory subject to Congress's absolute plenary power, while tracing the historical roots of autonomism back to Spanish colonial rule and revealing why early autonomists saw American federalism as "maximum decentralization within national unity." We weave history, constitutional law, and current politics to highlight a compelling vision of how Puerto Rico and the U.S. can exit the trap of territorial colonialism, and open a new chapter of our relationship based on mutual respect, self-determination and shared democratic values.   In this episode: The true history of Puerto Rican autonomism and why many of its leaders originally supported statehoodWhy Puerto Rico's "Commonwealth" status is still territorial colonialism under constitutional lawHow today's "autonomist" politicians have misappropriated historical terminologyThe difference between real autonomy (statehood/independence) and fake autonomy (commonwealth)How Congress's plenary power keeps Puerto Rico subordinate and powerlessWhy the Puerto Rico Status Act excluded the current territory status from decolonization optionsThe recent firing of Fiscal Oversight Board members and what it reveals about democratic deficitsHow statehood would actually protect Puerto Rican culture through political empowermentTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Christina's Constitutional Law Expertise 06:30 Why Puerto Rico is Missing from American Education 12:45 The Puerto Rico Status Act & Congressional Collaboration Process 22:15 What is Puerto Rico's "Commonwealth" Status Really? 31:20 Why Commonwealth Was Excluded from Decolonization Options 40:19 The Real History of 19th Century Puerto Rican Autonomism 44:08 How Historical Autonomists Embraced American Statehood 48:20 Modern "Autonomism" vs. Historical Autonomist Goals 52:30 The Fiscal Oversight Board Crisis & Democratic Deficits 56:37 Why Statehood Provides Better Autonomy Than "Commonwealth" 01:03:24 Cultural Preservation Through Political Empowerment 01:08:45 Debunking the "Loss of Culture" Myth 01:10:29 Recommendations for Advancing Puerto Rico Statehood 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into Puerto Rico's true history and path to equality. 👉 Read Prof. Christina Ponsa-Kraus’s chapter, “When Statehood Was Autonomy,” in Reconsidering the Insular Cases(Harvard University Press / Harvard Law School Human Rights Program). Read the chapter here: https://www.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/2020-09/When%20Statehood%20Was%20Autonomy_0.pdf #PuertoRico #Autonomism #PuertoRicoStatehood #ChristinaPonsaKraus #ManoaManoPodcast #PuertoRicanHistory #Decolonization #Commonwealth #ConstitutionalLaw #PabloJoseHernandez #Colony #Territory #PlenaryPower   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    1h 12m
  6. Puerto Rico's Energy Crisis | Understanding why Territory Status Blocks Recovery | Mano a Mano Episode 18

    JUL 31

    Puerto Rico's Energy Crisis | Understanding why Territory Status Blocks Recovery | Mano a Mano Episode 18

    Why is Puerto Rico's energy system still struggling 7 years after Hurricane Maria, and how does territorial status make everything worse? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, host George Laws Garcia sits down with Tom King, founder of the Borincana Foundation and Puerto Rico Energy Forum, to break down the island's complex energy crisis. They explore the ongoing PREPA debt bankruptcy that's blocking billions in federal recovery funds, the reality behind Puerto Rico's energy privatization efforts, and why distributed solar has become both a solution and new challenge for the grid. Tom shares expert insights on fossil fuels and renewables are not mutually exclusive but are both needed to complement each other as Puerto Rico advances its energy transformation process, the recent Sunnova bankruptcy affecting thousands of Puerto Rican solar customers, and how property title issues still limit energy financing. Most importantly, they discuss why Puerto Rico's territorial status creates systemic barriers to reliable energy and economic development - from limited access to capital markets to population decline that reduces the customer base needed to support grid investments. In this episode: Why PREPA's debt crisis is blocking $12-19 billion in federal reconstruction fundsThe truth about Puerto Rico's energy "privatization"How 115,000 homes got solar despite grid challengesWhy Sunnova's bankruptcy is challenging Puerto Rico's solar boomProperty title problems blocking energy financingHow territorial status infantilizes Puerto Rico's developmentWhy statehood would help solve systemic energy investment barriersTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:40 Tom King's Background and Involvement in Puerto Rico's Energy Sector 05:22 Current State of Puerto Rico's Energy System 06:49 Challenges and Controversies in Energy Privatization 10:38 Financial and Infrastructure Hurdles 15:05 Debate on Fuel Sources and Renewable Energy 23:07 Impact of Renewable Energy on the Grid 28:39 Population Decline and Political Status 30:49 Challenges of Puerto Rico's Energy System 31:16 The Impact of Puerto Rico's Territorial Status 32:02 Energy Costs and Stability in Puerto Rico 35:12 Property Title Issues and Economic Impact 38:24 Sunnova's Bankruptcy and Its Implications 44:54 Future of Puerto Rico's Energy Sector 53:37 Resources and Initiatives for Energy Development 🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep-dives into Puerto Rico's path to decolonization and statehood. #PuertoRico #EnergyPolicy #PuertoRicoStatehood #Decolonization #PREPA #LUMAEnergy #SolarPower #TerritoryStatus #ManoAManoPodcast #PuertoRicoGrid   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    48 min
  7. Iran Strikes Reveal Inequality and Puerto Rico's Hurricane Crisis joins the Congressional Budget Battle

    JUN 30

    Iran Strikes Reveal Inequality and Puerto Rico's Hurricane Crisis joins the Congressional Budget Battle

    How does Puerto Rico's territorial status affect hurricane preparedness, military service, and Congressional representation during critical national moments? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, hosts George Laws Garcia and Martin Rivera examine the 2025 hurricane season preparations, recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran, and what these events reveal about Puerto Rico's unequal status. They discuss the ongoing Congressional budget reconciliation process, threats to Puerto Rico's Opportunity Zone designations, and how territorial inequality impacts disaster response and military representation. The hosts also cover the UN Committee on Decolonization hearings and analyze the surprising NYC mayoral primary results that highlight Puerto Rican voting power stateside. In this episode: 2025 hurricane season predictions and Puerto Rico's preparedness challengesHow territorial status affects disaster response and federal representationU.S. airstrikes in Iran and Puerto Rican military service without voting rightsCongressional budget reconciliation updates affecting Puerto RicoOpportunity Zones under threat in tax legislationUN Decolonization Committee: Annual theater or meaningful action?NYC mayoral primary upset and Puerto Rican voter influenceAOC's endorsement strategy and implications for statehood advocacy   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    21 min
  8. Puerto Rico’s Political Gridlock | Budget Reconciliation, The Jones Act & Puerto Rico’s Future

    MAY 29

    Puerto Rico’s Political Gridlock | Budget Reconciliation, The Jones Act & Puerto Rico’s Future

    Why does Congress’s budget reconciliation bill matter for Puerto Rico’s health, economy and push for statehood? In this episode of the Mano a Mano Podcast, hosts George Laws Garcia and Martín Rivera of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council  unpack how the 2025 reconciliation package could reshape Medicaid and nutritional assistance and other federal funding amid the expected nationwide federal funding cuts. They also discuss proposed tax incentives to increase local manufacturing, recent remarks from Puerto Rico’s Governor and Resident Commissioner on territorial status, Congressman Pablo José Hernández’s reluctance to recognize island voters’ desire for  statehood (and his party-refounding plans), the truth about the Jones Act’s impact on shipping costs and food security, and why the Trump Administration might want to speak up about Puerto Rico’s path to statehood. In this episode: What healthcare and nutrition funding changes are on the table?Which tax incentives could attract new manufacturers?Why are Puerto Rico’s top elected leaders saying about political status?What is the debate on the Jones Act’s impact on Puerto Rico?Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 00:45 Budget Reconciliation Basics for Puerto Rico 04:10 Impact on Healthcare & Nutrition Programs 07:50 Tax Incentives & Manufacturing Proposals 12:15 Political Status Debate: Governor & Resident Commissioner 16:30 Congressman Hernández & Party Refoundation 23:53 Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered 24:19 What is the Jones Act’s impact on Puerto Rico? 30:03 Trump Administration’s Statehood Signals 28:50 Personal Reflections & Next Steps 🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep-dives into Puerto Rico’s political and economic landscape. #PuertoRico #BudgetReconciliation #JonesAct #HealthcareReform #Statehood #ManoAManoPodcast   Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st   Produced by Caandor Labs.

    38 min
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Welcome to Mano a Mano, a podcast amplifying the voices of leaders, thinkers, activists, and allies from across the political spectrum who support Puerto Rico’s fight for full democracy and self-determination. Join co-hosts George Laws-García and Martin Rivera as they dive into current events through the lens of U.S.-Puerto Rico relations and reveal how the Caribbean island’s political status can serve as a powerful vantage point for understanding some of the most fundamental questions facing America today. Each month, Martin and George interview key voices to bridge divides, offer in-depth analysis, and foster understanding while collectively working to build a more perfect Union - both for the U.S. Citizens of Puerto Rico and everyone who still believes in the fundamental American values of democracy, equal rights, and government by consent of the governed.

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