POLICY & RESEARCH
Complex issues. Clear explanations.
Explore 12 evidence-based guides. Each distinguishes the facts, unresolved questions, and our advocacy goals.
Voting & representation
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Voting & representation
Citizenship should come with a meaningful voice in the federal government.
What to know
Puerto Rico has a Resident Commissioner in the U.S. House, but no senators. The Commissioner may participate in committees, but cannot vote on final passage on the House floor. Puerto Rico does not appoint presidential electors. These limits concern federal representation; Puerto Rico conducts its own local elections.
The important distinction
Moving to a state can change a citizen’s voting eligibility when that state’s residence and registration requirements are met. An online registration form alone does not confer eligibility.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Full voting representation and equal participation in presidential elections through statehood.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Status & self-determination
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Status & self-determination
Understand the choices, the process, and who has authority to act.
What to know
Congress has broad authority over territories. A local plebiscite records voter preferences but does not, by itself, admit a state or enact federal transition rules. Historical federal bills have proposed different processes, including statehood votes, status conventions, and votes among nonterritorial options.
The important distinction
Compare the text and congressional session, not just a bill’s title. Proposals with the same title can contain materially different options and transition provisions.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
A clear, democratic path to equal rights through statehood, with transparent transition terms.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Medicaid & health access
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Medicaid & health access
Stable health coverage depends on the way federal funding is structured.
What to know
Puerto Rico’s Medicaid financing differs from the states. A statutory ceiling limits federal funding, and Congress has periodically provided additional funding and special matching arrangements. Funding design affects program planning, alongside eligibility rules, provider capacity, and local administration.
The important distinction
Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance are separate systems. A change to one program does not automatically change the others. Current funding amounts and expiration dates must be checked against the applicable law.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Predictable and equitable federal health financing, paired with accountable delivery of care.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Nutrition assistance
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Nutrition assistance
Food security is also a question of program design.
What to know
Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program, known as NAP or PAN, operates through a federal block grant rather than the same SNAP structure used in the states. The 2026 Puerto Rico Advisory Committee report examines access to federal programs and the consequences of unequal treatment.
The important distinction
A proposal to transition PAN to SNAP is not an enacted transition. Implementation would require legal authority, funding, systems, and operational preparation.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Equitable nutrition assistance that responds to household need and emergencies.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
SSI & disability support
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
SSI & disability support
A federal benefit’s residence rules can have profound consequences.
What to know
SSA’s 2026 SSI eligibility guidance generally requires residence in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Puerto Rico is not included in that residence rule. SSI is a means-tested program for qualifying older adults and people with blindness or disabilities.
The important distinction
SSI is not the same as Social Security retirement or SSDI. The SSI exclusion does not mean Puerto Rico residents are excluded from every Social Security program.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Equal access to income support for eligible residents, regardless of territorial residence.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Federal taxes
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Federal taxes
The claim that Puerto Ricans pay no federal taxes leaves out essential facts.
What to know
Federal income-tax treatment depends on residence, the source of income, and other rules. IRS Topic 901 explains that bona fide Puerto Rico residents generally exclude Puerto Rico-source income from U.S. income tax, with exceptions. Income from other sources may require a federal return.
The important distinction
An income-tax exclusion is not an exemption from all federal taxes. Individual results vary, and estimates of a future status transition depend on the law Congress actually adopts.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
A transparent discussion of both tax responsibilities and federal benefits, using actual rules.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
The Insular Cases
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
The Insular Cases
A historical legal doctrine remains central to the debate over territorial rights.
What to know
The Puerto Rico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights issued a final report in February 2026 examining the Insular Cases and the doctrine of unincorporated territory. Its inquiry addressed federal voting rights, access to public programs, and racial and national discrimination.
The important distinction
An advisory committee report is not a court judgment or an enacted law. Distinguish committee findings and recommendations from the positions of individual witnesses and the full Commission.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Equal constitutional protection and a democratic resolution of territorial inequality.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
PROMESA & public debt
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
PROMESA & public debt
Fiscal oversight and political status are related, but different, questions.
What to know
PROMESA, Public Law 114-187, established a financial oversight framework and mechanisms for restructuring territorial debt. Its provisions cover fiscal plans, budgets, and debt proceedings. The law did not admit Puerto Rico as a state or enact independence.
The important distinction
Debt outcomes, service budgets, and the political-status process should be evaluated separately. Statehood alone should not be presented as a guarantee that existing debts disappear.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Democratic accountability, fiscal transparency, and protection of essential public services.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Energy & resilience
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Energy & resilience
Reliable power is essential to health, opportunity, and daily life.
What to know
The Department of Energy describes major damage to Puerto Rico’s grid from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and federal efforts supporting recovery and resilience. Grid work involves generation, transmission, distribution, planning, and coordination among multiple institutions.
The important distinction
Funding announcements, obligations, construction, and completed projects are different milestones. Status reform does not by itself repair equipment or resolve procurement and management problems.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Reliable, affordable service with transparent project delivery and resilient infrastructure.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Shipping & the Jones Act
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Shipping & the Jones Act
Understand which law is being discussed before weighing the tradeoffs.
What to know
GAO’s 2013 maritime-trade study examined Puerto Rico shipping and potential changes to coastwise shipping requirements commonly called the Jones Act. It found that several factors influence freight rates and that the effects of changes were uncertain.
The important distinction
The maritime Jones Act and the 1917 Jones-Shafroth citizenship and government law are different statutes. Do not combine their histories or effects. The GAO report is historical, not a current freight-price estimate.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Evidence-based transportation policy that weighs affordability, service reliability, and security.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Veterans & military families
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Veterans & military families
Service deserves recognition, access, and a voice.
What to know
The VA Caribbean Healthcare System provides care and services to veterans in its service area. Veterans living in Puerto Rico face the same territorial limits on federal electoral representation as other residents. Health-care eligibility and benefit eligibility depend on the applicable program.
The important distinction
Military service does not automatically establish eligibility for every VA benefit. Voting residence for military members is a separate question; FVAP provides official guidance.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Accessible services and full democratic representation for those who served.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
Opportunity & economic transition
NAPREC · Fact sheet · September 15, 2026
Opportunity & economic transition
A serious equality agenda must address how families and businesses experience change.
What to know
The 2026 Puerto Rico Advisory Committee report examines the relationship among status, taxation, access to federal programs, and economic conditions. It describes status as one factor among others relevant to building a sustainable economy.
The important distinction
No status option guarantees a particular growth rate, household income, or business outcome. Transition analysis should identify assumptions about taxes, funding, migration, infrastructure, and implementation.
NAPREC’s advocacy goal
Equal opportunity supported by transparent transition planning and measurable public outcomes.
Educational overview. Source dates vary; consult the linked agency for current program eligibility and rules.
The historical record
Follow the proposals. Understand the process.
Historical foundations and selected 119th Congress proposals, with official texts and research sources.
Public Law 119-21 · H.R. 1
2025 reconciliation law (H.R. 1), enacted July 4, 2025. Section 70421(a)(3) repeals Puerto Rico’s special opportunity-zone rule effective December 31, 2026. Federal provisions must be assessed individually for their application to Puerto Rico residents.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 9724 · 119th Congress
End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act. Introduced July 16, 2026. Would limit specified territorial birthright-citizenship statutes from January 1, 2027, with exceptions in the introduced text. This is proposed legislation, not a change visitors should assume is in force.
Official introduced text ↗S. 4001 · 119th Congress
Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2026. Introduced March 5, 2026. Section 13 proposes extending SSI to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, alongside changes to eligibility and benefits.
Official introduced text ↗H.R. 7828 · 119th Congress
Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2026. House proposal to revise SSI eligibility and benefits, including extending the program to Puerto Rico and other territories specified in the text. Read its own text and actions separately from the Senate bill.
Official introduced text ↗H.R. 10275 · 119th Congress
Puerto Rico Energy Opportunity and Geothermal Assessment Act of 2026. Introduced September 3, 2026; proposes federal geothermal assessments for Puerto Rico.
Official bill text and version ↗H.R. 9246 · 119th Congress
Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act. Introduced June 10, 2026; proposes a plebiscite with independence, commonwealth, statehood, and sovereignty in free association. Proposed voting dates are not an enacted election schedule.
Official bill text and version ↗H.R. 7833 · 119th Congress
Puerto Rican People’s Power Restoration Act of 2026. Introduced March 5, 2026; proposes changes to PROMESA, including termination of the Oversight Board under specified circumstances.
Official bill text and version ↗H.R. 5168 · 119th Congress
Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act. Introduced September 8, 2025; proposes a transition from NAP to SNAP. Introduction does not itself change benefit eligibility.
Official bill text and version ↗Historical laws and proposals
Historical descriptions cross-checked against the cited CRS reports and introduced bill texts on September 15, 2026. “House passed” does not mean enacted. Bills from a previous Congress do not carry over automatically.
H.R. 2757 · 118th Congress
Puerto Rico Status Act: statehood, independence, or sovereignty in free association.
Read source ↗S. 2944 · 118th Congress
A different Puerto Rico Status Act, including a commonwealth option.
Read source ↗S. 4560 · 117th Congress
Puerto Rico Status Act; included a commonwealth option and a statehood-readiness study, unlike H.R. 8393.
Read source ↗H.R. 8393 · 117th Congress
Puerto Rico Status Act; passed the House in December 2022 but did not become law.
Read source ↗H.R. 1522 / S. 780 · 117th Congress
Statehood-admission proposals considered during the 117th Congress.
Read source ↗H.R. 2070 / S. 865 · 117th Congress
Self-determination proposals; compare the convention approach with plebiscite bills.
Read source ↗H.R. 1965 · 116th Congress
Puerto Rico Admission Act (introduced in 2019). Source is the introduced text.
Read source ↗H.R. 4901 · 116th Congress
Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act. Source is the introduced text.
Read source ↗H.R. 6246 · 115th Congress
Puerto Rico Admission Act of 2018. Source is the introduced text.
Read source ↗PROMESA · Public Law 114-187
Fiscal oversight and debt framework; related context rather than an admission act.
Read source ↗H.R. 727 · 114th Congress
Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Process Act. Source is the introduced text.
Read source ↗Public Law 113-76 · Division B
Provided $2.5 million for status education and a plebiscite, subject to federal conditions. It did not admit Puerto Rico as a state.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 2000 · 113th Congress
Puerto Rico Status Resolution Act. Source is the introduced text.
Read source ↗H.R. 2499 · 111th Congress
Puerto Rico Democracy Act; passed the House in 2010, without enactment.
Read source ↗H.R. 900 · 110th Congress
Puerto Rico Democracy Act; a plebiscite approach discussed in CRS.
Read source ↗H.R. 1230 · 110th Congress
Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act; an alternative convention approach.
Read source ↗S. 2304 / H.R. 4963 · 109th Congress
Convention proposals: Congress would consider the convention’s recommendation before a referendum in Puerto Rico. Neither became law.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 4867 · 109th Congress
Proposed two status plebiscites; a predecessor to the H.R. 900 approach. Not enacted.
Source / Fuente ↗S. 2661 · 109th Congress
Proposed a vote between continued territorial status and a path toward permanent nonterritorial status. Not enacted.
Source / Fuente ↗Public Law 106-346
Appropriated $2.5 million for a status education campaign and vote. An appropriation, not a change in political status.
Source / Fuente ↗S. Res. 279 · 105th Congress
Senate-approved resolution supporting a status referendum. A Senate resolution is not a statute admitting a state.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 856 · 105th Congress
United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act; passed the House in 1998.
Read source ↗S. 472 · 105th Congress
Puerto Rico Self Determination Act of 1997; a Senate proposal similar to H.R. 856. Not enacted.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 3024 · 104th Congress
United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act; committee consideration.
Read source ↗H.R. 4228 / H.R. 4281 · 104th Congress
Revisions of H.R. 3024 with different language-related provisions. These proposals did not become law.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 602 · 104th Congress
Proposed redesignating the Resident Commissioner as a Delegate and changing the term to two years. Hearings did not produce enactment.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 5005 · 103rd Congress
Proposed periodic plebiscites in U.S. territories. Referred to committees; not enacted.
Source / Fuente ↗H. Con. Res. 94 · 103rd Congress
Self-determination resolution; hearings were held but the measure did not advance further.
Source / Fuente ↗H.J. Res. 195 · 103rd Congress
Proposed a constitutional amendment allowing residents of territories to vote in presidential elections. Not ratified.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 3715 · 103rd Congress
Proposed territorial incorporation for Puerto Rico. It was a proposal, not an enacted change of status.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 316 / S. 244 · 102nd Congress
Referendum proposals. S. 244 failed to obtain Senate committee approval on a 10–10 vote. Neither became law.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 4765 · 101st Congress
Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act; House action did not make it law.
Read source ↗S. 712 · 101st Congress
Puerto Rico Status Referendum Act; considered in Senate committees.
Read source ↗Public Law 101-45
Provided $1.5 million for Puerto Rico’s three main political parties to participate in the legislative process concerning status.
Source / Fuente ↗S. Con. Res. 35 · 96th Congress
Congressional expression supporting the right to determine Puerto Rico’s political future; not an admission law.
Read source ↗H.R. 2201 · 95th Congress
Statehood bill introduced January 19, 1977, following President Ford’s 1976 endorsement. It died in committee.
Source / Fuente ↗H.R. 11200 · 94th Congress
Proposed a Compact of Permanent Union. A subcommittee approved an amended bill, but it did not become law.
Source / Fuente ↗Public Law 82-447
Approved Puerto Rico’s constitution subject to congressional conditions.
Read source ↗Jones-Shafroth Act
Reorganized territorial government and extended U.S. citizenship under federal statute.
Read source ↗Treaty of Paris
Transferred Puerto Rico from Spain to the United States. Treaty, not an admission act.
Read source ↗