HR 2499
111th Congress
House
Government Operations and Politics
Caribbean area
Intergovernmental relations
Puerto Rico
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
U.S. territories and protectorates
Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009
Everywhere this bill has been
40 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 19, 2010
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
Apr 30, 2010
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Apr 29, 2010
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 169, 1 Present (Roll no. 242).
Apr 29, 2010
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 194 - 198 (Roll no. 241).
Apr 29, 2010
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H3058)
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (WA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to allow Puerto Rico to be admitted as a State of the Union and ensure that english shall be the official language of the State; and to allow the residents of Puerto Rico to have the right to own, possess, carry, or use firearms for lawful defense.
Apr 29, 2010
Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources. (consideration: CR H3057-3058; text: CR H3057)
Apr 29, 2010
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. (text: CR H3041)
Apr 29, 2010
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been previously debated and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (WA) amendment in the nature of a substitute.
Apr 29, 2010
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Velazquez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment in the nature of a substitute number 7.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - At the conclusion of debate on the Velazquez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment number 6.
Apr 29, 2010
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Velazquez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Velazquez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment number 5.
Apr 29, 2010
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Burton (IN) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Burton (IN) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Burton (IN) amendment.
Apr 29, 2010
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Gutierrez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Velazquez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gutierrez amendment number 3.
Apr 29, 2010
POSTOPNED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Gutierrez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gutierrez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gutierrez amendment number 2.
Apr 29, 2010
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Foxx amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
Apr 29, 2010
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foxx amendment.
Apr 29, 2010
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour and thirty minutes of general debate on H.R. 2499.
Apr 29, 2010
The Speaker designated the Honorable Adam B. Schiff to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Apr 29, 2010
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1305 and Rule XVIII.
Apr 29, 2010
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2499 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. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI.
Apr 29, 2010
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1305. (consideration: CR H3029-3059)
Apr 29, 2010
Rule H. Res. 1305 passed House.
Apr 29, 2010
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2499.
Apr 29, 2010
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Apr 28, 2010
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1305 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2499 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. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI.
Oct 8, 2009
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 164.
Oct 8, 2009
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 111-294.
Jul 22, 2009
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 8.
Jul 22, 2009
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 24, 2009
Committee Hearings Held.
May 19, 2009
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
May 19, 2009
Introduced in House
Votes taken on this bill
2
| Date | Chamber | What was voted on | Result | Yes–No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 29, 2010 | House · vote #242 | On Passage | Passed | 223–169 | See who voted → |
| Apr 29, 2010 | House · vote #241 | On Motion to Recommit with Instructions | Failed | 194–198 | See who voted → |
Amendments to this bill
8
Amendments propose changes to this bill. Members vote on amendments separately before the final bill vote. An agreed amendment becomes part of the bill; a failed amendment does not.
2 agreed to 5 failed 1 pending / other
| Amendment | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HAMDT 626 | — | Withdrawn |
| HAMDT 625 | Velázquez, Nydia M. | Failed |
| HAMDT 624 | Velázquez, Nydia M. | Failed |
| HAMDT 623 | Velázquez, Nydia M. | Failed |
| HAMDT 622 | — | Agreed to |
| HAMDT 621 | — | Failed |
| HAMDT 620 | — | Failed |
| HAMDT 619 | Foxx, Virginia | Agreed to |
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Plain-English summary
Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010 - Authorizes the government of Puerto Rico: (1) to conduct a plebiscite giving voters the option to vote to continue Puerto Rico's present political status or to have a different political status; (2) if a majority of ballots favor continuing the present status, to conduct additional such plebiscites every eight years; and (3) if a majority of ballots favor having a different status, to conduct a plebiscite on the options of becoming fully independent from the United States, forming with the United States a political association between sovereign nations that will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the Constitution, being admitted as a state of the Union, or continuing its present political status.
Prescribes the eligibility requirements for voting in a plebiscite. Requires the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to: (1) certify plebiscite results to the President and Congress; and (2) ensure that all ballots used for a plebiscite include the full content of the ballot printed in English. Directs the Commission to inform persons voting in a plebiscite that if Puerto Rico retains its current political status or is admitted as a state: (1) the official language requirements of the federal government shall apply to Puerto Rico; and (2) it is the best interest of the United States for the teaching of English to be promoted in Puerto Rico as the language of opportunity and empowerment in order to enable students in public schools to achieve English language proficiency.
Requires the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to pay all costs associated with such plebiscite (including the costs of printing, distribution, transportation, collection, and counting of all ballots).
What's happening now
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
Related & companion bills
1
Bill text
4 versions
- Engrossed in House Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML
- Introduced in House Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML
- Referred in Senate Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML
- Reported in House Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML
Committees of jurisdiction
2
Cosponsors
57
D
Larsen, Rick
R
Buchanan, Vern
Dahlkemper, Kathleen
D
Lynch, Stephen F.
R
Issa, Darrell
D
Neal, Richard E.
R
Calvert, Ken
R
Blackburn, Marsha
D
DeGette, Diana
R
Rogers, Mike D.
D
Schiff, Adam B.
D
Thompson, Mike
R
Cassidy, Bill
D
Himes, James A.
D
Pingree, Chellie
D
Titus, Dina
Kosmas, Suzanne
D
Baldwin, Tammy
D
Castor, Kathy
Driehaus, Steve
McCarthy, Kevin
D
Markey, Edward J.
D
Scott, Robert C. "Bobby"
R
Wittman, Robert J.
D
Doggett, Lloyd
D
Heinrich, Martin
R
Bilirakis, Gus M.
D
Meeks, Gregory W.
Fallin, Mary
D
McCollum, Betty
R
Smith, Christopher H.
D
Welch, Peter
D
Carson, André
D
Green, Al
R
Thompson, Glenn
R
Carter, John R.
Arcuri, Michael
D
Clarke, Yvette D.
D
Costa, Jim
D
Cuellar, Henry
Delahunt, Bill
R
Diaz-Balart, Mario
Hare, Phil
D
Hoyer, Steny H.
D
Johnson, Henry C. "Hank"
D
Kaptur, Marcy
Klein, Ron
Kratovil, Frank
Markey, Betsy
R
McCaul, Michael T.
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U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 2499: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010. 111th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-2499/
"H.R. 2499: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010." 111th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-2499/.
H.R. 2499, 111th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-2499/.
[H.R. 2499: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010](https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-2499/)