Puerto Rico votes to become 51st state

This is happening - but only if Congress approves it.

In a referendum yesterday, voters in Puerto Rico voted 97% to 3% to become the 51st state. What does this mean? It was a nonbinding vote, and Congress will still have the final say. Even if Congress approves statehood, the process may take a few years. There actually isn't much chance that the current Congress will approve it.

One can hope that if statehood comes, it brings Puerto Rico's public policies in line with the Constitution. Then again, we don't require California to clean up Pete Wilson's many messes. I'm also under no illusions that Congress would make the Tea Party's laughable proposed state of North Colorado follow the Constitution.