HR 990 must have died completely. Damnit, Pelosi.
Structurally, this isn't much different. First vote whether or not to change the status. Second vote on which one to change to: statehood, independence, or free associated state (like the pacific islands, formerly the Trust Territories). None of them are what the Enhanced Commonwealthers want though.
Interesting, Serrano is not one of the cosponsors. I suspect that once this left committee it'll get squashed by Madame Speaker again.
This is the move I expected though when the pro statehood party swept the election in PR.
Structurally, this isn't much different. First vote whether or not to change the status. Second vote on which one to change to: statehood, independence, or free associated state (like the pacific islands, formerly the Trust Territories). None of them are what the Enhanced Commonwealthers want though.
Interesting, Serrano is not one of the cosponsors. I suspect that once this left committee it'll get squashed by Madame Speaker again.
This is the move I expected though when the pro statehood party swept the election in PR.
For more information on HR 2499, go to www.hr2499.com
ReplyDeleteHR2499 is just another attempt to violate the democratic rights of countless Puertoricans who want neither statehood nor independence. Put forth a bill with at least three options: (1) Independence, (2) statehood, (3) None of the above, and you’ll see what happens. Let us negotiate something better, like a Compact of Free Association (COFA). We know full well that we have entered into such arrangements with Palau, The Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Puerto Rico deserves the same opportunity to develop a full partnership with the USA and the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteThe best possible option for both Puerto Rico and the United States is for a mutually agreed upon compact of free association (COFA). This is a known quantity for the US. Check it out at http://uscompact.org/ (also read http://www.doi.gov/oia/compact/Palau_ROP_COFA.pdf) It’s not perfect, but it works. Let us all sit at the table and negotiate in good faith! We can learn from the early mistakes and make a COFA that works for the good of the USA and PR. What about HR2499? JUST SAY NO!
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