H.R. 2499
Bringing American Democracy to the U.S. Citizens of Puerto Rico
H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, was a bill considered in the 110th Congress that would authorize periodic plebiscites in Puerto Rico on the islands’ current status and, if a majority in a plebiscite voted against it, a plebiscite among all of Puerto Rico’s status options -- independence, nationhood in free association with the United States, statehood and the current territory status.
On April 29, 2010, H.R. 2499 was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in a strong bipartisan vote, 223 – 169, 1 present. Democratic Leaders voting yes on final passage included: Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip James Clyburn, Democratic Caucus Chair John Larson, Assistant to the Speaker Chris Van Hollen, and 16 Committee Chairs. Republican Leaders voting yes on final passage included Minority Whip Eric Cantor, Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence, former Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling and 6 Committee Ranking Members. H.R. 2499 was co-sponsored by over 180 members from both political parties and was reported favorably by the House Committee on Natural Resources on July 22, 2009.
The U.S. Senate did not act on the bill, but its Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on it and Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and ranking minority member Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wrote President Obama in December 2010 agreeing that the bill identified all of Puerto Rico’s status options.
Home to nearly 4 million Americans, Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory for 112 years and its residents have been U.S. citizens since 1917. Under the current status, residents of Puerto Rico are bound by federal law, but cannot vote for president and do not have voting representation in Congress. They are often treated less-than-equally compared to residents of the states with respect to federal programs.
Since joining the American family over a century ago, the Island’s residents have never been given the opportunity to express their views—in the context of a fair and orderly vote sponsored by Congress—as to whether Puerto Rico should remain a U.S. territory or should seek a non-territorial status.
H.R. 2499 would have authorized the government of Puerto Rico to conduct an initial plebiscite. Voters would be asked whether they wish (1) to maintain the current status or (2) to have a different status.
If a majority favored the current status, the government of Puerto Rico would be authorized to ask voters this threshold question again in eight years.
If a majority of voters cast their ballots in favor of a different political status, the government of Puerto Rico would be authorized to conduct a second plebiscite among the four status options recognized under U.S. and international law: (1) independence; (2) statehood; (3) “sovereignty in association with the United States,” which is typically called “free association”; and (4) the current status.
H.R. 2499 would not have bound the federal government to take action once it has received the plebiscite results. Rather, the bill simply provided that the results will be certified to Congress and the President. If a majority votes for a different status in the initial plebiscite, and then for one of the three non-territorial status options in the second plebiscite, then it is Congress that would determine any next steps.
After 112 years under the U.S. flag, justice requires that the people of Puerto Rico be allowed to determine their political future in a fair and orderly vote sponsored by the federal government.
H.R.2499: The Facts and the Support:
H.R. 2499 U.S. House Committee Report
May 19, 2010 U.S. Senate Committee Hearing on H.R. 24 99: Statement of Gov. Luis G. Fortuño
Fact Sheet on Puerto Rico
Supportive Letters:
LULAC
Dear Colleagues
Bipartisan Members of Congress urge a YES VOTE on H.R. 2499, the "Puerto Rico Democracy Act"
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference - SUPPORT THE PUERTO RICO DEMOCRACY ACT
Letter from Traditional Values Coalition in Support of the HR 2499
Articles and News Releases:
U.S. House Poised to Take Historic Vote on H.R. 2499 – Puerto Rico Democracy Act
America for All Americans
Will Congress Tell Puerto Rico ‘Sorry, You’re Still 2nd Class US Citizens’ Yet Again?
