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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Housing & affordable communities

What to know

HUD’s Puerto Rico resource page connects residents with housing assistance and counseling resources. Housing assistance, disaster reconstruction, and mortgage or rental counseling serve different purposes; an announcement does not establish a household’s eligibility.

Questions for public officials

• Which program serves renters, homeowners, or people without stable housing?
• What documentation and appeal process apply?
• How many homes are occupied and affordable after the project is complete?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

Safe, accessible homes and transparent assistance that allow Puerto Rican families to remain in their communities.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Education & opportunity

What to know

The U.S. Department of Education’s Puerto Rico directory identifies local education, special education, adult education, and higher-education contacts. These are different service pathways. Start with the agency responsible for the specific student need.

Questions for public officials

• Are students receiving the services promised to them?
• How are attendance, learning, accessibility, and school conditions measured?
• Can families obtain assistance and resolve concerns in their preferred language?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

Equal educational opportunity, accessible services, and public accountability for student outcomes.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Water quality & reliable service

What to know

EPA’s consumer-confidence-report resources help people find information about their local drinking-water quality. A quality report and an outage notice answer different questions. Consult the water supplier for current service conditions and any instructions specific to your community.

Questions for public officials

• Which system serves the community, and where is its latest water-quality report?
• Are outage notices timely, accessible, and specific about affected areas?
• What measurable improvements will repairs deliver, and on what schedule?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

Reliable, safe water service, transparent monitoring, and infrastructure investment that reaches underserved communities.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Agriculture & local food production

What to know

USDA’s Farmers.gov provides farm-loan guidance, eligibility tools, and application resources. A loan is different from a grant or disaster payment. Program requirements and availability must be checked for the producer’s location and circumstances.

Questions for public officials

• Can producers obtain clear assistance with program applications?
• How do water, land access, power reliability, and transportation affect production?
• Are program results measured in viable farms and food reaching local markets?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

A resilient agricultural sector with fair access to federal opportunities and practical support for local producers.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Disaster recovery & public accountability

What to know

Puerto Rico’s recovery portal describes CDBG-DR and mitigation programs, including recovery from Hurricanes Irma and María. A funding allocation, an approved project, a payment, and a completed project are different milestones. Use program records to identify which stage a claim describes.

Questions for public officials

• Who is responsible for each project and its completion date?
• What has been paid, built, inspected, and placed in service?
• How can residents report obstacles and receive a documented response?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

Recovery measured by restored homes and functioning services, with transparent spending and community participation.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Small business & entrepreneurship

What to know

SBA maintains a district office serving Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its resources provide a starting point for business assistance. Counseling, financing, contracting support, and disaster assistance should not be treated as interchangeable programs or automatic funding awards.

Questions for public officials

• Which resource fits the business’s actual stage and need?
• What costs, repayment obligations, or eligibility conditions apply?
• Can small firms compete fairly and obtain timely, understandable guidance?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

Fair access to business support, transparent procurement, and opportunities for locally rooted employers.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Public safety & equal justice

What to know

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Puerto Rico describes victim-witness assistance for crimes prosecuted by that office, including case notifications and referrals. This is a specific federal service; it is not a substitute for every local reporting or support pathway.

Questions for public officials

• Can victims find the appropriate service without unnecessary barriers?
• Are public-safety results reported alongside protections for civil rights?
• How are prevention, community trust, and accountability evaluated?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

Effective safety, equal justice, and accessible support for victims, with accountable institutions.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.

NAPREC · Resource guide · September 15, 2026

Broadband & digital access

What to know

Puerto Rico’s Broadband Program coordinates local and federal broadband infrastructure funding. Its public site describes projects involving infrastructure, community access, and service quality. A funded network project is not proof that a particular household can order affordable, reliable service.

Questions for public officials

• Which addresses will gain service, and when can residents subscribe?
• What will the total monthly cost be after introductory offers?
• How will reliability, accessibility, and service quality be measured?

NAPREC’s advocacy goal

Affordable, reliable connectivity that supports learning, work, health access, and civic participation.

Educational guide. Consult the responsible agency for current requirements, availability, and deadlines.