Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act
Rep. Hernandez Introduces Bill to Let Puerto Rico Vote on Statehood or Independence
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being sent to the House Committee on Natural Resources for review. It is considered active, but there are no upcoming votes or hearings scheduled at this time. The bill does not currently have a companion measure in the Senate.
Legislative Progress
While this bill has several sponsors, similar proposals have historically struggled to pass both chambers of Congress due to concerns over political balance and the federal budget.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Under independence or free association, federal employees working in Puerto Rico would see their positions transferred to the new Puerto Rican government as part of the transition. The bill creates commissions to handle the orderly transfer of all federal government functions. Retired federal employees' benefits are explicitly protected.
“The Joint Transition Commission shall be responsible for expediting the orderly transfer of all functions currently exercised by the Federal Government in Puerto Rico, or in relation to Puerto Rico to the nation of Puerto Rico”
Programs
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(9)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.