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Bill105th CongressFiled Feb 27, 1997Government Operations and Politics
H.R. 856

United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act

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What it doesSummary passed house amended (Mar 4, 1998)

United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Declares that: (1) if the referendum held under this Act results in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood for Puerto Rico, the English language requirements of the Federal Government shall apply to Puerto Rico to the same extent as Federal law requires throughout the United States; and (2) it is in the best interest of Puerto Rico to promote the teaching of English as the language of opportunity and empowerment in the United States in order to enable public school students to achieve English language proficiency by the age of ten.

Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's political status, for either: (1) retention of its present Commonwealth status; (2) full self-government through separate sovereignty leading to independence or free association; or (3) full self-government through U.S. sovereignty leading to statehood.

Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress for approval legislation for: (1) a transition plan of not more than ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval. Requires the transition plan, if the vote favors statehood, to: (1) include proposals and incentives to increase the opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico to expand their English proficiency, including teaching in English in public schools, awarding fellowships and scholarships, and providing grants to organizations to promote English language skills; (2) promote the use of English by U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico; and (3) include the effective date of Puerto Rico's incorporation into the United States. Authorizes the Government of Puerto Rico, in the event of a vote in favor of Commonwealth, to call a Special Convention to develop proposals for submission to the President and the Congress for changes in Federal policy on economic and social matters of concern to the Puerto Rican people.

Authorizes further referenda, at least once every ten years, if the referendum conducted under this Act does not result in a majority vote for separate sovereignty or statehood.

Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation.

Makes funds available for the referendum, including those derived from the Federal excise tax on foreign rum. Requires the Government of Puerto Rico to make grants to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for referenda held under this Act.

What just happenedJul 15, 1998

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large](R-AK)Sponsor
87 cosponsors63 D24 R
Read on Congress.gov
87cosponsors3committees45actions13amendments1related bills39subjects
  1. Jul 15, 1998Committee

    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.

    Energy and Natural Resources Committee
  2. Jul 14, 1998Committee

    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.

    Energy and Natural Resources Committee
  3. Apr 2, 1998Committee

    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.

    Energy and Natural Resources Committee
  4. Mar 5, 1998IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    Energy and Natural Resources Committee
  5. Mar 4, 1998FloorH38900

    The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 856.

  6. Mar 4, 1998FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  7. Mar 4, 1998FloorH37100

    On passage Passed by recorded vote: 209 - 208 (Roll no. 37).

  8. Mar 4, 1998Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 209 - 208 (Roll no. 37).

  9. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    The amendment, as amended by the Burton substitute, would to specify that, in the event that a referendum held under the provisions of the bill results in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood, upon accession to Statehood, the official language requirements of the Federal Government would apply to Puerto Rico in the same manner and to the same extent as throughout the United States. The amendment would call upon promoting English proficiency in the public schools by the age of 10.

  10. Mar 4, 1998FloorH35000

    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

  11. Mar 4, 1998FloorH32600

    The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 856.

  12. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    The Chair announced that proceedings would resume on those amendments on which further action had been postponed.

  13. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    At the conclusion of debate, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment and announced that, by voice vote, the amendment was not agreed to. Mr. Gutierrez requested a recorded vote and, pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 376, further proceedings were postponed.

  14. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    At the conclusion of debate, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the Barr amendment and announced that, by voice vote, the amendment was not agreed to. Mr. Barr requested a recorded vote and, pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 376, further proceedings were postponed.

  15. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Stearns amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and announced that by voice vote, the noes had prevailed. Mr. Stearns demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further procedings until later in the legislative day.

  16. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    GENERAL DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 376, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the general subject of allowing individuals who were born in Puerto Rico, but not currently residents of Puerto Rico, to vote in the proposed referendum authorized by the bill. At the conclusion of debate, it shall be in order to propose an amendment regarding voting participation in the referendum.

  17. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 376, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Burton amendment.

  18. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to a previous unanimous consent agreement, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gutierrez amendment.

  19. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    LIMITATION ON DEBATE - Mr. Solomon asked unanimous consent that the hour of debate on the Solomon amendment, and all amendments thereto, be allocated as follows: 30 minutes to Mr. Solomon, 6 minutes to Mr. Gutierrez, 12 minutes to Mr. Burton, 12 minutes to Mr. Miller of California, subject to equitable reductions, if necessary to remain within the one hour of consideration permitted under H. Res. 376.

  20. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    GENERAL DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 376, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of debate on the general subject of establishing English as the official language of the United States. At the conclusion of debate, the rule provides for the consideration of an amendment to establish English as the official language.

  21. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 90 minutes of general debate.

  22. Mar 4, 1998FloorH32400

    The Speaker designated the Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart to act as Chairman of the Committee.

  23. Mar 4, 1998FloorH32020

    House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 376 and Rule XXIII.

  24. Mar 4, 1998FloorH8D000

    Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 856 with 1 hour and 30 minutes of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. In lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Resources now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Congressional Record. Measure will be considered read. Bill is open to amendments. Specified amendments are also in order.

  25. Mar 4, 1998FloorH30000

    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 376. (consideration: CR H772-837)

  26. Mar 4, 1998FloorH1L220

    Rule H. Res. 376 passed House.

  27. Mar 3, 1998FloorH1L210

    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 376 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 856 with 1 hour and 30 minutes of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. In lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Resources now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Congressional Record. Measure will be considered read. Bill is open to amendments. Specified amendments are also in order.

  28. Jul 11, 1997CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 106.

  29. Jul 11, 1997DischargeH12300

    Committee on Rules discharged.

    Rules Committee
  30. Jul 11, 1997Committee5500

    Committee on Rules discharged.

    Rules Committee
  31. Jun 12, 1997IntroReferralH11210

    House Committee on Rules Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than July 11, 1997.

    Rules Committee
  32. Jun 12, 1997CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-131, Part I.

    Natural Resources Committee
  33. Jun 12, 1997Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-131, Part I.

    Natural Resources Committee
  34. May 21, 1997CommitteeH19000

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 1.

    Natural Resources Committee
  35. May 21, 1997CommitteeH15000-B

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Natural Resources Committee
  36. Apr 21, 1997CommitteeH19200

    Field Hearings Held in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

    Natural Resources Committee
  37. Apr 19, 1997CommitteeH19200

    Field Hearings Held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    Natural Resources Committee
  38. Mar 19, 1997CommitteeH14000-B

    Committee Hearings Held.

    Natural Resources Committee
  39. Mar 4, 1997CommitteeH12000

    Executive Comment Requested from Commerce.

    Natural Resources Committee
  40. Feb 27, 1997IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to House Rules

    Rules Committee
  41. Feb 27, 1997IntroReferralH11100-A

    Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  42. Feb 27, 1997IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to House Resources

    Natural Resources Committee
  43. Feb 27, 1997IntroReferralB00100

    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E351-852)

  44. Feb 27, 1997IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  45. Feb 27, 1997IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Passed House amendedMar 4, 199836

United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Declares that: (1) if the referendum held under this Act results in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood for Puerto Rico, the English language requirements of the Federal Government shall apply to Puerto Rico to the same extent as Federal law requires throughout the United States; and (2) it is in the best interest of Puerto Rico to promote the teaching of English as the language of opportunity and empowerment in the United States in order to enable public school students to achieve English language proficiency by the age of ten.

Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's political status, for either: (1) retention of its present Commonwealth status; (2) full self-government through separate sovereignty leading to independence or free association; or (3) full self-government through U.S. sovereignty leading to statehood.

Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress for approval legislation for: (1) a transition plan of not more than ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval. Requires the transition plan, if the vote favors statehood, to: (1) include proposals and incentives to increase the opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico to expand their English proficiency, including teaching in English in public schools, awarding fellowships and scholarships, and providing grants to organizations to promote English language skills; (2) promote the use of English by U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico; and (3) include the effective date of Puerto Rico's incorporation into the United States. Authorizes the Government of Puerto Rico, in the event of a vote in favor of Commonwealth, to call a Special Convention to develop proposals for submission to the President and the Congress for changes in Federal policy on economic and social matters of concern to the Puerto Rican people.

Authorizes further referenda, at least once every ten years, if the referendum conducted under this Act does not result in a majority vote for separate sovereignty or statehood.

Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation.

Makes funds available for the referendum, including those derived from the Federal excise tax on foreign rum. Requires the Government of Puerto Rico to make grants to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for referenda held under this Act.

Reported to House amended, Part IJun 12, 199718

United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Declares that: (1) English shall be the common language of mutual understanding in the United States and in all of the States freely admitted to the Union; and (2) if the referenda under this Act result in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood for Puerto Rico, it is anticipated that English language requirements of the Federal Government shall apply in Puerto Rico to the same extent as Federal law requires throughout the United States. Declares that Congress has the authority to expand existing English language requirements in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's political status, for either: (1) retention of its present Commonwealth status; (2) full self-government through separate sovereignty leading to independence or free association; or (3) full self-government through U.S. sovereignty leading to statehood.

Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress for approval legislation for: (1) a transition plan of at not more than ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval. Requires the transition plan, if the vote favors statehood, to include: (1) proposals and incentives to increase the opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico to learn English, including the teaching of English in public schools, fellowships, and scholarships; and (2) the effective date upon which the Constitution shall take effect there as in the several States.

Authorizes further referenda, at least once every ten years, if the referendum conducted under this Act does not result in a majority vote for separate sovereignty or statehood.

Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation.

Makes funds available for the referendum, including those derived from the Federal excise tax on foreign rum. Requires the Government of Puerto Rico to make grants to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for referenda held under this Act.

Introduced in HouseFeb 27, 199700

United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Declares it is the policy of the Congress that: (1) English shall be the common language of mutual understanding in the United States, and this policy shall apply in all of the States freely admitted to the Union; and (2) if the referenda under this Act result in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood for Puerto Rico, it is anticipated that English would become the official language of the Federal Government in Puerto Rico. Declares that Congress has the authority to expand existing English language requirements in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's political status, for either: (1) retention of its present Commonwealth status; (2) full self-government through separate sovereignty leading to independence or free association; or (3) full self-government through U.S. sovereignty leading to statehood.

Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress for approval legislation for: (1) a transition plan of at least ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval. Requires the transition plan, if the vote favors statehood, to include proposals and incentives to increase the opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico to learn English, including the teaching of English in public schools, fellowships, and scholarships.

Requires another referendum within four years, and every four years thereafter (but not in a general election year), if the referendum conducted under this Act, and any subsequent referendum, does not result in a majority vote for separate sovereignty or statehood.

Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation.

Makes funds available for the referendum, including those derived from the Federal excise tax on foreign rum. Requires the Government of Puerto Rico to make grants to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for referenda held under this Act.

United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act — Informed