House Passes P.R. Referendum Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives Thursday evening passed a bill that would allow Puerto Rico citizens to vote on the island's political status, including the option to become the 51st state.

The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010, HR 2499, passed in a 223 to 169 vote. It now heads to the Senate for its consideration.

If passed, HR 2499, would enable Puerto Rico to hold two plebiscites. The first referendum would ask voters in Puerto Rico if they want to remain a self-governing commonwealth of the United States or change to a different status. If a majority seeks a change, the island would then hold a second plebiscite where voters would have four options to choose from: independence; sovereignty in association with the U.S.; statehood; or commonwealth, the island's current status.

Lawmakers amended the bill Thursday evening to add the commonwealth option in the second referendum.

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Puerto Rico
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