While the District begs and pleads for anything approaching voting representation in the House of Representatives, Puerto Rico might be moving ahead in its own quest to finally define itself and its relationship to the U.S.

According to an article published today in The Politico, legislation is being considered in the House that would allow Puerto Rico to hold a binding referendum on whether or not to become a full-fledged state. Sponsored by Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuno (R-PR), the legislation, known as the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, would give Puerto Ricans another chance to decide whether to remain a self-governing commonwealth or become a U.S. state, this time with the full support of the U.S. Congress. The last vote on the issue was a plebiscite held in 1998, which the statehood movement narrowly lost.

And what does this have to do with the District, beyond the similarity in struggles? Mayor Adrian Fenty has thrown the District’s weight, however small, behind Puerto Rico’s bid. According to the article, Fenty stated in reference to the island’s statehood efforts, “Would I support them? I’m sure I would.” But beyond sympathizing with the feeling of not having a voting representative in Congress, Fenty is probably playing good politics. The Puerto Rican measure enjoys the co-sponsorship of 95 members, Republicans and Democrats alike, while the District’s own legislative bid for a voting seat is still plodding along with 21 co-sponsors, almost all Democrats. Fenty probably figures that should the measure pass, his symbolic support could help pick up a few sympathy votes from the Puerto Rican crowd.

We’re on your side, Puerto Rico. You’ve got our vote. Oh, wait. We don’t have one. But you’d have it if we had it, so hook us up, ok?