Photo by Paola Rodriguez

Right to Democracy Brings Territorial Voices to Washington, D.C.

In early December 2025, Right to Democracy brought members of its Cross-Territorial Coalition to Washington, D.C., for a week of meetings with congressional representatives and federal policymakers. The visit centered on the challenges facing U.S. territories, including environmental protection, democratic representation, and the ongoing impact of colonial-era legal frameworks. Coalition members emphasized their firsthand experiences and the urgent need for federal policymakers to center the voices of territorial residents in decisions that directly affect their communities.

Right to Democracy also hosted a learning session and reception at Covington & Burling, honoring the firm’s team as Right to Democracy’s 2025 Champions. Covington & Burling contributed more than a thousand hours of pro bono legal support, helping achieve historic milestones such as securing a Department of Justice statement condemning the Insular Cases. The recognition also highlighted the work of Gretchen Sierra Zorita, former White House Director for Puerto Rico and the Territories, who has advanced unprecedented federal support for energy resiliency, economic development, and climate adaptation in the territories.

Photo by Paola Rodriguez

The event featured special remarks from U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett and Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández, who shared words of encouragement for territorial leaders and announced the creation of a new bipartisan, Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus, designed to provide a unified platform for the five U.S. territories. Its key objectives are to strengthen coordination on legislation affecting the territories, expand access to federal programs, and boost healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

Photo by Paola Rodriguez