Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010

Bill 111 HR 2499, also known as the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the political status of Puerto Rico. The bill proposed to authorize a federally sanctioned vote in Puerto Rico to determine the island's political status, giving residents the opportunity to choose between statehood, independence, or remaining a territory.

The bill outlined the process for conducting the vote, including the establishment of a State Elections Commission to oversee the referendum. It also specified that the results of the vote would be binding and that Congress would act on the outcome within a year.

Supporters of the bill argued that it was important to give the people of Puerto Rico a voice in determining their political future. They believed that holding a referendum would provide clarity on the desires of the Puerto Rican people and pave the way for potential changes in the island's status. Opponents of the bill raised concerns about the potential costs of holding a referendum and questioned the timing and necessity of the legislation. Some also argued that the bill did not adequately address the complexities of Puerto Rico's political status and that more comprehensive solutions were needed. Ultimately, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010 did not pass in Congress, and the issue of Puerto Rico's political status remains unresolved. However, the bill sparked important discussions about the future of the island and the rights of its residents to self-determination.