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HOUSE 900115th CongressReferred to the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs.

To recognize Puerto Rico's sovereign nationhood under either independence or free association and to provide for a transition process, and for other purposes.

Last Action
2/22/2017

Actions

  • 2017-02-22Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs.
  • 2017-02-16Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1248-1249)
  • 2017-02-07Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • 2017-02-07Introduced in House
  • 2017-02-07Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2017-02-07 (00)

This bill requires the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico to provide for a referendum in Puerto Rico in which eligible voters shall express their preference between the non-territorial options of either independence or free association.

An individual shall be eligible to vote in such referendum if that individual was born in, or has a parent who was born in, Puerto Rico.

The President shall negotiate a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and other bilateral agreements with the government of an independent Puerto Rico that will provide for equitable economic relations. Such treaty shall establish the details of the bilateral relations of Puerto Rico and the United States under specified guidelines with respect to citizenship, vested rights, trade, public debt and economic transition, currency, and defense.

The President shall negotiate the terms for a Compact of Free Association with the government of Puerto Rico, which shall be submitted to Congress and the people of Puerto Rico for ratification under specified agreed guidelines with respect to Puerto Rican sovereignty and self-government, the termination of the free association relationship when Puerto Rico becomes fully independent, the continuation of U.S. citizenship for citizens of Puerto Rico, and the continuation of trade relations with the United States.

Subjects

  • Caribbean area
  • Citizenship and naturalization
  • Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
  • Free trade and trade barriers
  • International law and treaties
  • Puerto Rico
  • Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
  • U.S. territories and protectorates
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Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.