Buying Statehood

“THERE are more lobbyists working on this bill than I’ve ever seen on anything,” says Eric Pelletier, a counsel to the powerful House Rules Committee. “I get more calls from lobbyists on this bill than on anything else-whether it’s FDA reform or tax issues.” He’s talking about HR 856, the United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act,” which has become the subject of a fierce, mostly behind-the-scenes debate.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Young (R., Alaska) and co-sponsored by 87 others, would have Puerto Ricans decide in a referendum whether they want the island to remain a commonwealth, become the 51st state, or declare independence. The vote could come as early as next year, the centenary of America’s conquest of Puerto Rico in the Spanish-American War.

About the Author

Ramesh Ponnuru

Ramesh Ponnuru is the editor of National Review, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

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“THERE are more lobbyists working on this bill than I’ve ever seen on anything,” says Eric Pelletier, a counsel to the powerful House Rules Committee. “I get more calls from lobbyists on this bill than on anything else-whether it’s FDA reform or tax issues.” He’s talking about HR 856, the United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act,” which has become the subject of a fierce, mostly behind-the-scenes debate.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Young (R., Alaska) and co-sponsored by 87 others, would have Puerto Ricans decide in a referendum whether they want the island to remain a commonwealth, become the 51st state, or declare independence. The vote could come as early as next year, the centenary of America’s conquest of Puerto Rico in the Spanish-American War.