In a passionate and sometimes bitter debate, the House of Representatives last night voted by the narrowest of margins — 209 to 208 — to allow Puerto Rico to vote on the future status of the Caribbean island. The bill, sponsored by Alaska Republican Representative Don Young, calls for a vote later this year in which Puerto Ricans would choose between statehood, independence or continued commonwealth status.

Tape:

• Congressional representatives debate the Young Bill.

Related Link:

• 3/4/98 Pacifica Network News “Stateside Puerto Ricans”
• 3/3/98 Pacifica Network News “Puerto Rico Considers Statehood”
• Institute Puerto Rican Policy