House to Vote , on Historic , Puerto Rico Status Act.
On December 15, the House of Representatives will vote on the Puerto Rico Status Act.
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'The Independent' reports that the bill proposes to grant Puerto Rican residents a binding referendum on whether to become an American state, an independent nation or a sovereignty of the U.S. .
Since 1898, Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory.
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However, the 3.3 million residents of Puerto Rico, who are considered American citizens, are not allowed to vote in presidential elections.
'The Independent' reports that Puerto Rican citizens do not pay federal income tax and are not eligible for some federal programs. .
The bill was co-sponsored by New York Democrat Nydia Velasquez and Puerto Rico's resident commissioner, Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon.
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The bill was co-sponsored by New York Democrat Nydia Velasquez and Puerto Rico's resident commissioner, Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon.
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The Puerto Rico Status Act was first approved by the House Natural Resources Committee in July.
After 124 years of colonialism, Puerto Ricans deserve a fair, transparent and democratic process to finally solve the status question, Nydia Velasquez, Democratic Representative of New York, via 'The Independent' .
Steny Hoyer, the outgoing House majority leader, has also pushed for the bill.
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This historic legislation will grant Puerto Ricans the self-determination they deserve and allow them to determine the future of their island themselves, Steny Hoyer, outgoing House majority leader, via 'The Independent' .
'The Independent' reports that the bill needs a majority in the House in addition to a minimum of 60 votes in the Senate before it can be approved by President Joe Biden.
'The Independent' reports that the bill needs a majority in the House in addition to a minimum of 60 votes in the Senate before it can be approved by President Joe Biden
