Former New York City Mayor and current Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg announced his plan to make Puerto Rico the 51st state in an op-ed in the Orlando Sentinel on Monday.

“Puerto Ricans are American citizens,” Bloomberg wrote. “And on the mainland, we should see their challenges as our challenges, because a strong Puerto Rico strengthens America.”

Bloomberg believes that Puerto Rico needs a bigger voice in the federal government.

“For decades, Puerto Ricans and their interests have been ignored by Washington,” he said. “And there’s a simple reason why: They don’t have a vote in Congress. And so politicians don’t have to care how they feel.”

In 2014, a pair of resolutions were introduced in both houses of Congress. However, those resolutions died in committee.

“The citizens of Puerto Rico deserve to have their voices heard — not only in the presidential primary election, but in the general election, too,” Bloomberg added. “They deserve real representation in Washington that reflects their interests. And they deserve the same federal funding for disaster relief and reconstruction that all other Americans would expect. The best way to make that happen is through statehood.”

Two of Bloomberg’s opponents for the Democratic nomination, John Delaney and Andrew Yang, have also endorsed Puerto Rican statehood.

“The time has come to sew Puerto Rico’s star into our national flag,” said Bloomberg. “As president, when voters there are ready to begin the stitching, I’ll bring Congress and the whole country together to get it done.” Currently, Puerto Rico residents are only required pay federal income taxes on work performed in the 50 states and District of Columbia. They do not have to pay federal income taxes while working on the island unless they are employed by the U.S. Government. This benefit could disappear if Puerto Rico becomes a state.

President Donald Trump has expressed that he is opposed to Puerto Rican statehood due to San Juan’s current leadership.