Puerto Rico Status Act: Choosing Permanent Political Future
This Act mandates a plebiscite on November 2, 2025, allowing Puerto Rico residents to choose a permanent, non-territorial status: Independence, Sovereignty in Free Association, or Statehood. The outcome will fundamentally redefine US citizenship rights, tax obligations, and access to federal benefits for residents, ending the current territorial status.
Key points
Voters will select one of three options to end the current territorial status and achieve full self-government, including the termination of the Financial Oversight Board (PROMESA).
Statehood means full US federal taxation and equal access to federal programs and citizenship rights, identical to the 50 states.
Independence or Free Association entails major changes to US citizenship by birth and a transition from federal funding to decreasing block grants over 10 years.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3231
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Process start date: 2023-11-06