To enable the people of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to determine the political status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 10, 2026 · Last action June 10, 2026
Plain English Summary
This bill authorizes the people of Puerto Rico to hold a referendum to determine the future political status of the Commonwealth, choosing among options such as statehood, independence, or continued commonwealth status. The bill establishes a federal process for recognizing and implementing the results of such a referendum.
Who benefits
Puerto Rican voters and residents gain direct democratic authority to determine their political future rather than having status determined by Congress alone; Puerto Rico's elected officials gain the power to hold a binding referendum; statehood advocates benefit if voters choose statehood (gaining full congressional representation and voting rights); independence advocates benefit if voters choose sovereign nationhood; commonwealth status advocates benefit if voters reaffirm the current arrangement
Who pays / loses
The U.S. federal government assumes administrative costs of running and certifying the referendum; U.S. taxpayers may face increased costs if Puerto Rico chooses statehood (requiring full federal benefit parity and representation); if independence is chosen, the federal government loses control over Puerto Rican territory and must transition federal programs and military installations; current federal employees and military personnel stationed in Puerto Rico face uncertainty about future employment and benefits depending on the outcome
Funding & Lobbying Interests
Pro-statehood political organizations and Puerto Rican business groups favoring statehood benefit from the referendum authority; pro-independence groups and nationalist organizations in Puerto Rico have a financial stake in the referendum occurring; Commonwealth status advocates and current Puerto Rican government contractors benefit from maintaining current political arrangements; federal contractors operating in Puerto Rico have financial interests in whichever outcome emerges
Political Impact
Affected Groups
3.2 million Puerto Rican residents and U.S. citizens directly affected by any change in political status; approximately 325,000 federal employees and military personnel stationed in Puerto Rico; Puerto Rican businesses and investors dependent on current federal tax incentives (Act 20/22 benefits); federal contractors and vendors servicing Puerto Rico; U.S. taxpayers nationwide if statehood increases federal expenditures
Political Subtext
Proponents argue this bill fulfills democratic self-determination and allows Puerto Ricans—a U.S. citizen population without voting representation in Congress—to chart their own political future. They cite repeated prior referenda results and argue Puerto Ricans deserve the same sovereignty choices as other U.S. territories or states. Critics argue the bill may destabilize Puerto Rico's economy and governance; that multiple prior referenda have produced contested or unclear mandates due to boycotts and low turnout; and that statehood would impose federal tax structures that may harm Puerto Rico's competitiveness. Proponents counter that the current status quo denies democratic rights; opponents counter that multiple votes over decades have failed to produce durable consensus, suggesting deeper structural issues than a referendum can solve.
Real-World Stakes
If Puerto Rico votes for statehood, it gains two U.S. senators and voting House representation, but loses Act 20/22 federal tax incentives (Exports Services Act), reducing business tax advantages that currently attract investors and entrepreneurs. Federal income tax obligations increase substantially. If Puerto Rico votes for independence, the U.S. exits a Caribbean strategic asset; Puerto Rico must negotiate new trade and defense relationships; federal welfare and Medicare programs transition to Puerto Rican administration; Medicaid and SSI eligibility may change. If commonwealth status is reaffirmed, the current system continues. Historical precedent: the 2012 and 2017 Puerto Rico status referenda each produced contested results, with boycotts by major parties reducing turnout and clarity. The 2017 referendum showed 97% voted for statehood, but only 23% turnout due to pro-independence boycott, leaving the mandate ambiguous. A federally certified referendum could establish clearer legal standing for implementation.
Sponsor
Sponsor information not available.
Vote Record
No recorded votes.
Campaign Finance — Primary Sponsor
No campaign finance data available yet.
501(c)(4) disclosure: Contributions from 501(c)(4) "dark money" organizations are not required to be publicly disclosed and are not reflected in the figures above. Data sourced from FEC public disclosure filings.
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