WashingtonWatch.com - H.R. 900, The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007

Revision by webmaster (July 24, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

H.R. 900 would provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico.

Detailed Summary

Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 - Directs the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico no later than December 31, 2009, giving voters the option to vote to continue Puerto Rico's present territorial status and relationship with the United States or to pursue a constitutionally-viable permanent non-territorial status.

Recognizes the authority of the people of Puerto Rico, if a majority of the ballots favor pursuing a non-territorial status, to: (1) call a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of proposing to the people of Puerto Rico a self-determination option which, if approved in a referendum, would be presented to Congress; or (2) conduct a plebiscite administered by the Commission to consider a self-determination option, with the results presented to Congress.

Prescribes the eligibility requirements for voting in the plebiscite. Requires the Commission to certify plebiscite results to the President and Congress.

Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate certain funds for the self-determination process.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 4/22/2008: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Comment by JC` (June 10, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

[In response to Josh Taylor]Dont be silly.Puerto Rico is not going to become an enemy of the United States because it obtains its sovereignty. In the long run, independence would be doing a favor to the American economy. In every instance that someone in Congress or in the executive branch comments on Puerto Rican independence, they make it quite clear that there will be considerable economic aid. And, why not? The U.S. sends financial aid to nearly every country in this hemisphere, and would continue to have many commercial and manufacturing ties with Puerto Rico. The island would continue to receive substantial investments comparable to those presently coming in. It is fair and in the best interests of both the United States and Puerto Rico....

Comment by Antolino Colon (June 3, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There are around 4 million US citizens in the island. Even though they can die in the battlefields, they cannot vote for the president of the USA. It is time for the puertorricans to become part of this Great Nation, it is time for them to become first class citizen....

Comment by Josh Taylor (June 2, 2008, 01:00:00)

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Are you aware that you're going lose your rights to Puerto Rican Socialists? Going independent means you are the enemy of the US and Cuba's ally. See you in Hades when you lose your life to Puerto Rican socialists. Don't come crying back to us because you chose to be our enemy. Look at Puerto Rico's list of political parties on Wikipedia very carefully before you choose to go independent....

Comment by JC` (May 29, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Puerto Rico calls upon all antiwar and progressive people to link arms with the Puerto Rican people's struggle for justice, to denounce the war on Iraq, Palestine, and Puerto Rico with the same proud, unified voice. The White House and the Pentagon certainly understand the interconnectedness of Iraq, Palestine, and Puerto Rico; they attack liberation struggles with the same unified expression of brutality.Standing together, the people have the power to push back U.S. imperialism.FBI Out of Puerto Rico! Filiberto Vive - La Lucha Sigue! SAY NO TO STATEHOOD!!! NO TO THE US!!!...

Comment by SB (May 26, 2008, 01:00:00)

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Are you ^ stupid?...

Comment by Josh (May 24, 2008, 01:00:00)

Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

William, take a look at your political parties on Wikipedia. All of Puerto Rico's political parties are Socialists. Does Puerto Rico want to join Cuba as their new ally? Become independent and we will declare war on you like the Battle of San Juan Hill. Becoming a statehood is the only answer. We don't want to be your enemy. We want to adopt you as the 51st state....

Comment by D. F. (May 22, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

It amazes me how the US government puts the burden on us the people of Puerto Rico to either become a state or become independent when it has been proven that this does not matter. Puerto Rico has been extracted from its best resources and people for over a hundred years. All of the sudden because the US does not find it to its interest and personal gain to deal with us--the longest standing colony ---then supposedly the ball is in our court. How can one possibly think that after such a long occupancy from a foreign country and after building long traditions of transnationalism with the US for the country and its people not to be fragmented? It is irrational and a bad political move to place such a bid decision in a country that has lost a sense of identity since 1898. It is time for change but a change that will benefit the Puerto Rican people not an imperial power....

Comment by William Santa Rosa, Jr. (May 22, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

My only problem with this bill is that congress is doing the same as the local Puerto Rican Goverment has done in the past. Provide the people with 3 choices. Why not just let the people select either independence or statehood. I don't believe the people of Puerto Rico are ready or really want to be a state, so provide them with independence. It should go something like this: Add this voting for this coming Novenber, if they select independence, then, let the US clear all business within 2 years, and on Dec 31, 2009, we (The US)departs. no assistance, no paying money, no military, and thats it....

Comment by Josh (May 21, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Let's make Puerto Rico the 51st State and have a Puerto Rican senator and a Puerto Rican Representative. Turn those Puerto Rican highways into interstates....

Comment by nycJetz (May 19, 2008, 01:00:00)

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Puerto Rico should become an independent Republic. It's about time that Puerto Ricans get off their butts and work towards having something real. They have the name, the culture, the history and the love for their island. The national pride exists MORE THAN American pride exists in the USA! You can't tell a Puerto Rican that they're American! Hell NO..they're Puerto Rican! Yes they have fought in all the wars in the name of the USA. It's time they fight for their island. Everyone that thinks it's great in Hawaii. I lived in Hawaii for 2 yrs and I can assure you, Hawaiians aren't happy that they lost their identity. Most Hawaiian culture has turned into a "made in China" souvenir. Everything Hawaiian is now a myth or a tacky tourist attraction. Puerto Rico already has it's Latin traditions fading away. We need to fight to save our culture and we need to fight and have the courage to become La Republica de Puerto Rico. Statehood is not the answer!...

Comment by PRNJ (May 18, 2008, 01:00:00)

Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Why not just give Puerto Rico its Independence? The time has come for Puerto Rico to stand alone in the international community. The independence of Puerto Rico will lead to the negotiation of a treaty of cooperation with the United States which will stay in effect throughout a transition period. Such treaty will include economic aid for Puerto Rico which will enable the country to transform its present dependent economy into a productive and sustainable economic model. The treaty will also dictate free commerce between Puerto Rico and the United States, in addition to guaranteeing free transit between both nations. Finally, said treaty will include a process of negotiation which will lead to the withdrawal of all U.S. Military personnel from Puerto Rico and achieve the eventual demilitarization of the the country. VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE!!!...

Comment by Israel (April 29, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I think every one here is supporting PR self determination via a voting activity, which is good but no one is mentioning the finess to ask US if they want us as part of the Union. I think that the US congress has their preference and is not statehood. note: Juan US factories are living PR and we still US territory. World changed and we need to change....

Revision by webmaster (April 23, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

H.R. 900 would provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico.

Detailed Summary

Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 - Directs the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico during the 111th Congress, giving voters the option to vote for continued U.S. territorial status or for a path toward a constitutionally viable permanent nonterritorial status. Provides for subsequent procedures, depending on ballot results.

Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate certain funds for the self-determination process.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 4/22/2008: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of April 22, 2008

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

4/22/2008: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.

Comment by S. Kincaid (January 22, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

In response to 'al rayburn': could you please tell me what the official language of the United States is? Ah, I recall: we don't have one, and for a very good reason: we are a nation of immigrants. Ever hear of the melting pot, or the beautiful tapestry? Four percent of America (not including illegal immigrants) does not speak English fluently, and 18% do not speak English natively - about 54 million people, if my math is right. In addition, both Spanish and English coexist in several states (and Puerto Rico), and other languages are co-official in other states: in Louisiana, for instance, where French and English coexist, and in Hawaii where English's partner is Hawaiian. In all 337 languages are spoken in our nation. Consider how many people you're hurting before you dare say English should be solely official. As a side note: English is itself an immigrant language, and at one time the main language on the continent was French (shortly followed by Spanish)....

Comment by Danny Lopez (January 10, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

I'm with Tyrone, I was born in New Jersey and grew up in Puerto Rico and I can tell you first hand that something has to give for Puerto Rico to prosper. But remember what you will be giving up if it becomes a state. 1) No more Olympic teams from P.R. 2) You will be required to pay property taxes. (Just look at the current tax situation in Florida) 3) If you think the immigration issue is bad now, wait and see. If the economy in PR gets better no one will be able to stop the influx of Dominicans coming to the Island. 4) Possibly more jobs (no guarantees/China). 5) More incentives for the people to stay home and do nothing…I mean benefits (SSI, Welfare, Etc.) I not pro independence but I love my Puerto Rico and want everyone to make the best decision for not just for them but for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. God Bless Puerto Rico...

Comment by Jamm51 (January 8, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

I'm borned Puerto Rican. I was born in Aquadilla. But I lived all my live here in the US, I'm also a war Vet. (1991 Desert Storm). I think is time that Puerto Ricans are gaven thier honor in this country. We Puerto Ricans that served in this country are not honor as other who have served. It's time for Puerto Rico to be part of this great nation. It's well earned with blood....

Comment by al rayburn (December 17, 2007, 01:00:00)

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

this bill does not require puerto rico to adopt english as the language of its government. this should be a prerequisite for any geo-entity to beome a u.s.state....

Comment by Sektor51 (December 16, 2007, 01:00:00)

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

let end this once and for all, PR51!!! that's the only way....

Comment by Vincent V. (December 10, 2007, 01:00:00)

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

In this day & age where colonies are becoming a thing of the imperialistic past, 500 years under another nations' rule is archaic. It should be time for the Island to stop sitting on the fence & either go for statehood or nationhood. Either way will have some benefits & some temporary transitional struggles, but whatever choice is picked, it could be changed later on also in the future. Pick what would be best for not just those individually, but also collectively....

Comment by JaimeF (November 30, 2007, 01:00:00)

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

I can't resist adding my two cents to the always emotional issue of PR's political status. I spent my formative years in the island and now live in Virginia. While I appreciate the passion around the issue, I believe the idea that we must choose between our cultural heritage/identity and the political empowerment that PR would gain through statehood has no merit. It is an old and tired argument used by local politicians to keep the issue emotionally charged....and to keep themselves in power. Does anyone really believe that our cultural traditions and heritage are so volatile that they can be lifted by a change in political status?...

Comment by dsdfdgd (November 16, 2007, 01:00:00)

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

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Comment by Mike (November 14, 2007, 01:00:00)

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

In response to a previous comment: there is a reason why there are more Puerto Ricans in America than P.R., namely that fact that P.R. has no economy except almost exclusively tourism. Puerto Rico is a beautiful place, but why is it that after repeated refusal of American assistance in developing a healthy economy and an educated population ANYONE would want independence. I am apathetic either way because it's not my island. However, it would be a travesty for the wonderful people of P.R. to have no economy than some economy. Statehood would lead to an eventual "assimilation" to English(at least bilinguality) and American values in regards to animal cruelty, etc. Those that want to retain their culture and also their livelihood might want to consider the status quo....

Comment by Luis Forestier (November 12, 2007, 01:00:00)

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

Every citizen deserves equal rights. It's a conerstone of our democratic ideals. After hearing 'Taps' played thousands of time over the graves of veterans that gave their lives but couldn't vote, we should allow US citizens in PR their god-given right to vote for their future....