Coffman Votes Yea, But Really Meant Nay?

by: ScottP

Tue May 04, 2010 at 00:48:01 AM MDT

On April 29, Congress voted on H.R. 2499: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010. It's to allow the people of Puerto Rico to make 2 votes. First they vote whether they like their current status with the U.S.A. Then, if the majority votes against their current status, they will vote whether they want to become their own country, enter some other ambiguous status with the U.S.A. or become our 51st state. Congressman Coffman voted "Yea". This is not the confusing part.

On April 30, Congressman Coffman releases this statement:

I am unequivocally opposed to H.R. 2499.  Instead of focusing on getting Americans back to work, Democrats have chosen to pursue another unnecessary legislative distraction. I have been vocal about my opposition H.R. 2499 and intended to vote against this bill.  I will correct the Congressional Record to reflect my position when Congress reconvenes and will continue to oppose this measure.  Should H.R. 2499 come back to the House for a final vote following Senate action, I will vote against it.

This is where I get confused. Was his "Yea" vote a clerical error? Can Representatives go back and change their vote? Why did he vote "Yea", when he really meant "Nay"? Can someone explain this to me?