Puerto Rico Status Act

Puerto Rico Status Act

This bill provides for a plebiscite to be held on November 2, 2025, to resolve Puerto Rico's political status.

Specifically, such plebiscite shall offer eligible voters a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood.

The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall

• invite national and international election observers to ensure transparency and confidence in the electoral process, and
• carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign through traditional paid media and make available at all voting locations voter education materials related to the plebiscites.

All voter educational materials and ballots used to carry out this bill shall be made available in English and Spanish.

The bill sets forth transition and implementation provisions for each choice offered in the plebiscite.

The Bill 118 hr 2757, also known as the Puerto Rico Status Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to address the political status of Puerto Rico. The bill seeks to establish a process for Puerto Ricans to determine their political status through a series of referendums.

The bill outlines three options for Puerto Rico's political status: statehood, independence, or continuation of the current territorial status. It also includes provisions for the US government to provide financial assistance to Puerto Rico to help facilitate the transition to a new political status.

The Puerto Rico Status Act has garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as from Puerto Rican leaders. Proponents of the bill argue that it is important for Puerto Ricans to have a say in their political future and that the current territorial status is unsustainable. Opponents of the bill, however, have raised concerns about the potential costs of transitioning to a new political status and the impact it could have on Puerto Rico's economy. They also argue that the bill does not adequately address the concerns of all Puerto Ricans, particularly those who support maintaining the current territorial status. Overall, the Puerto Rico Status Act is a significant piece of legislation that has the potential to have a lasting impact on the political future of Puerto Rico. It will be important to closely monitor the progress of the bill as it moves through Congress and to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders involved.