H.R. 2070 · 117th Congress
Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2021
- Stage
- In committee
- Sponsor
- Nydia Velázquez
- Introduced
- 2021-03-18
- Latest action
- 2021-06-16 · Committee Hearings Held.
Summary
Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2021
This bill establishes a process for the people of Puerto Rico to vote on the political status (e.g., statehood) of the territory. Congress may ratify the decision through a joint resolution.
The bill declares that the legislature of Puerto Rico has the authority to call a status convention regarding the political status of the territory.
The bill provides for public financing of delegate elections to the status convention and establishes a Congressional Bilateral Negotiating Commission to provide advice and consultation to delegates of the status convention.
The status convention must provide self-determination options for a referendum of the people of Puerto Rico. Ranked-choice voting is a permitted format for the referendum. Delegates shall carry out an educational campaign through traditional paid media related to the referendum.
The bill provides for congressional consideration of a joint resolution to ratify the self-determination option selected through the referendum.