Will Puerto Rico Become the 51st State of the United States? House Approves Puerto Rico 'Decolonization' Referendum

Puerto Rico becoming an official U.S. state is a divisive topic for its residents. Now, the U.S. House of Representatives has voted and passed a bill that would allow Puerto Ricans to decide for themselves on statehood or independence as the U.S. territory moves toward "decolonization."

According to CBS News, the bill passed 233-191 in the Democrat-held House. The bill also had some Republican support. However, it still has to pass the U.S. Senate, and experts say that this would be a long shot to happen.

If it passes, Puerto Rican voters have three options, and this was to become the 51st U.S. state, to become completely independent, or to have independence with free association. The terms for the latter would be defined after negotiations that would involve the island's foreign affairs, the use of the U.S. dollar, and citizenship.

Al Jazeera News reports that should the referendum happen, voting would take place next year in November. The bill, called the Puerto Rico Status Act, aims to "​​resolve Puerto Rico's political status" within the United States. The island territory is currently a U.S. Commonwealth, and that option is not included in what Puerto Ricans would be voting on.

Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi Traveled to Washington for the Vote

The New Progressive Party is currently governing Puerto Rico under Governor Pedro Pierluisi. The party is pro-statehood and has been calling for the territory to officially join the United States.

He traveled directly to Washington to witness the vote and called it a historic vote for the "3.2 million U.S. citizens who live on the island." He pointed out that Puerto Rico, whose citizens are also U.S. citizens, still does not have representation in the U.S. government. They also cannot vote in both the general midterm or presidential elections.

Puerto Rico has a Resident Commissioner in the House, but that official does not get to vote on federal matters, much like an actual state representative or senator.

When the vote passed, Pierluisi, his party, and the current Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez cheered. However, the Associated Press noted that their reaction was still largely muted and tinged with frustration, as they are expecting it to be voted down in the U.S. Senate.

Why Puerto Rico Referendum Bill Might Not Pass the Senate

While the bill has a huge amount of support from the Democrats, Republicans are mostly split on the issue. While it passed a majority in the House before the Republicans took over, it faces a split Senate, and the bill needs a 60% majority to pass.

Among the Republicans who oppose the bill is Representative Elise Stefanik. She stated that while they support Puerto Rico joining the union, she does not support it gaining independence as it is one of the proposed options in the bill. This sentiment is seen to be shared by many Senate Republicans who would prefer that the territory remain under the United States rather than grant them independence.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: House Passes Referendum To "Decolonize" Puerto Rico - CBS Miami