(5 Mar 1998) English/Nat
Puerto Ricans will get the chance to decide the future of their country after the U-S House of Representatives approved a referendum on statehood for the island by the narrowest of margins - one vote.
The bill gives Puerto Ricans a choice to either remain as a U-S territory, to seek independence or to become the 51st State of the United States.
After rejecting efforts to scuttle the bill by statehood opponents, the House of Representatives finally cast its vote on the future of the Puerto Rico.
And it was with the slimmest of margins that representatives decided that Puerto Ricans could have a chance at deciding their own future.
UPSOUND; (English)
"On this vote the yays are 209, the nays 208, the resolution is agreed to and the bill is passed without objection."
SUPER CAPTION: Acting Chairman, Henry Bonilla, Republican - Texas
That was greeted by cheers both on the floor of the house and in the public galleries.
Now, on the 100th anniversary of Puerto Rico becoming a U-S territory
the island will hold a special referendum on its future.
Puerto Rican's will have three choices: continued commonwealth status, statehood or independence.
The bill had the strong backing of President Bill Clinton and both Republican and Democratic House leaders.
All but 43 Republicans voted against it and all but 31 Democrats voted for it.
A similar measure is pending in the U-S Senate, where supporters
were expected to push for prompt approval.
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