New deal for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- Congressional supporters say they are optimistic the U.S. House may pass a bill to allow Puerto Rico statehood or independence.

A bill backed by the White House would establish a two-stage process. Islanders first would choose between maintaining their current status as a U.S. territory or opting for a permanent government, the Miami Herald reported.

If they choose to remain a territory, Puerto Ricans would be asked to repeat the process every eight years until a definitive accord is reached, the Herald reported. If they want a permanent deal, which is the most likely outcome, then the island of four million people would vote again between statehood and a form of independent government.

The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 has a good chance of passing the House but faces tough debate in the Senate, said Reps. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y., and Luis Fortuno, R-Puerto Rico, the sponsors of the bill.

Opponents of the bill say it is constructed to eliminate an enhancement of the current territorial arrangement.

Serrano and Fortuno said the House may vote on the bill as soon as next month.