THE FUTURE OF PUERTO RICO

Compiled by the National Institute for Latino Policy (May 8, 2010)

On April 29, 29, 2010, the US House of Representatives passed HR 2499, The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010. On May 19th, a hearing is scheduled in the US Senate on this legislation.

Because of the poor coverage of this issue by the US media and the tremendous amount of misinformation associated with the little coverage there was, we thought we would pull together some of the existing discussions and debates on the subject we could cull from YouTube and other sources.

We hope you find this information helpful in understanding the issues involved (and not further confusing you!).

---Angelo Falcon

Democracy NOW!

Part 1

Part 2

Puerto Rico, USA: Fulfilling the Promise of America

Fortuno y el status de Puerto Rico.wmv

HR 2499

Facts on Puerto Rico statehood needed BEFORE, not after vote on H.R. 2499

Glenn Beck- Puerto Rico Could Become 51st State If New Bill Passes

Congressman Serrano Speaks In Favor of H.R. 2499

Congressman Serrano's Second Speech on Puerto Rico Status

Rep. Velazquez's statement on H.R. 2499

Puerto Ricans Deserve a Free and Open Debate on their Future Political Status

Luis Gutierrez on HR 2499

Luis Gutiérrez debate el HR 2499

Luis Gutiérrez debate el HR 2499 2

Luis Gutiérrez Interrupted While Speaking on HR 2499

Serrano Gavels Historic Puerto Rico Status Bill

1. H.AMDT.619 to H.R.2499 Amendment to allow supporters of the commonwealth status quo the option of voting their preference during the second stage of the plebiscite.

Sponsor: Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Foxx amendment (A001) Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 - 179 (Roll no. 234).

2. H.AMDT.620 to H.R.2499 Amendment to provide the Puerto Rican people have the option to choose "none of the above" with regard to the status of Puerto Rico.

Sponsor: Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment (A002) Failed by recorded vote: 164 - 236 (Roll no. 235).

3. H.AMDT.621 to H.R.2499 Amendment to provide that the ballots in the plebiscite to be conducted under H.R. 2499 are printed in Spanish.

Sponsor: Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment (A003) Failed by recorded vote: 13 - 386 (Roll no. 236).

4. H.AMDT.622 to H.R.2499 Amendment to retain the requirement that all ballots used for authorized plebiscites include the full content of the ballot printed in English. It would also require the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to inform voters in all authorized plebiscites that if Puerto Rico retains its current status or is admitted as a State: (1) any official language requirements of the Federal Government shall apply to Puerto Rico to the same extent as throughout the United States; and (2) it is the Sense of Congress that the teaching of English be promoted in Puerto Rico in order for English-language proficiency to be achieved.

Sponsor: Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Burton (IN) amendment (A004) Agreed to by recorded vote: 301 - 100 (Roll no. 237).

5. H.AMDT.623 to H.R.2499 Amendment to expand eligibility to vote in the any plebiscites authorized by this bill to U.S. citizens of Puerto Rican descent residing in any of the 50 States. Sponsor: Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. [NY-12] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment (A005) Failed by recorded vote: 11 - 387 (Roll no. 238).

6. H.AMDT.624 to H.R.2499 Amendment to eliminate the first round of voting in Section 2 of the bill and insert an option for Commonwealth as a fourth option to the ballot. It also provides for a runoff process if no option receives more than 50 percent of the vote that would be between the two options that received the most votes.

Sponsor: Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. [NY-12] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment (A006) Failed by recorded vote: 112 - 285 (Roll no. 239).

7. H.AMDT.625 to H.R.2499 Amendment to express that it is the Sense of Congress that a proposal for a change of status must come first from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico before Congress decides to consider the issue, therefore respecting their right of self-determination.

Sponsor: Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. [NY-12] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment (A007) Failed by recorded vote: 171 - 223 (Roll no. 240).

8. H.AMDT.626 to H.R.2499 An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 111-468 to state that Puerto Rico has, and has had, the authority to conduct plebiscites.

Sponsor: Rep Hastings, Doc [WA-4] (introduced 4/29/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 By unanimous consent, the Hastings (WA) amendment was withdrawn.