Each of these options is vigorously supported by one of the three major political parties in Puerto Rico. Commonwealth status is the only option to win a majority or plurality of a popular vote in Puerto Rico. However, the bill calls upon the people of Puerto Rico to vote once every 10 years until either statehood or independence receives a majority of the votes. Thus, the Commonwealth party believes the rules and definitions for the plebiscite are unbalanced and favor statehood status. In fact, some Puerto Ricans believe that the bill is a thinly-veiled attempt to force statehood on their island.
Independence is supported by a small, but vocal, minority.
The national independence movement has been quiescent lately, but it has a history of exporting terrorism. Pro-independence terrorists were responsible for an assassination attempt on President Truman which ended in the death of a police officer. In 1954, four of their members opened fire on the Congress from the visitor s gallery, wounding five Representatives. It is unclear what supporters understand or believe becoming the 51st state entails. Puerto Ricans are very proud of their cultural heritage and integral to that is the Spanish language.