(13) On January 23, 1997, the Puerto Rico
Legislature enacted Concurrent Resolution 2, which
requested the 105th Congress ‘‘* * * to respond to
the democratic aspirations of the American citizens
of Puerto Rico’’ by approving legislation authorizing
‘‘* * * a plebiscite sponsored by the Federal Govern-
ment, to be held no later than 1998’’.
(14) Nearly 4,000,000 United States citizens
live in the islands of Puerto Rico, which have been
under United States sovereignty and within the
United States customs territory for almost 100
years, making Puerto Rico the oldest, largest, and
most populous United States island territory at the
southeastern-most boundary of our Nation, located
astride the strategic shipping lanes of the Atlantic
Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
(15) Full self-government is attainable only
through establishment of a political status which is
based on either separate sovereignty and nationality
or full and equal United States nationality and citi-
zenship through membership in the Union.
SEC. 3. POLICY.
(a) CONGRESSIONAL COMMITMENT.—In recognition
of the significant level of local self-government which has
been attained by Puerto Rico, and the responsibility of the
Federal Government to enable the people of the territory
to freely express their wishes regarding political status and
achieve full self-government, this Act is adopted with a
commitment to encourage the development and implemen-
tation of procedures through which the permanent politi-
cal status of the people of Puerto Rico can be determined.
(b) OFFICIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE.—In the event
that a referendum held under this Act results in approval
of sovereignty leading to Statehood, upon accession to
Statehood, the official language requirements of the Fed-
eral Government shall apply to Puerto Rico in the same
manner and to the same extent as throughout the United
States.
(c) ENGLISH LANGUAGE EMPOWERMENT.—It is in
the best interest of the Nation for Puerto Rico to promote
the teaching of English as the language of opportunity and
empowerment in the United States in order to enable stu-
dents in public schools to achieve English language pro-
ficiency by the age of 10.
SEC. 4. PROCESS FOR PUERTO RICAN FULL SELF-GOVERN-
MENT, INCLUDING THE INITIAL DECISION
STAGE, TRANSITION STAGE, AND IMPLEMEN-
TATION STAGE.
(a) INITIAL DECISION STAGE.—A referendum on
Puerto Rico’s political status is authorized to be held not
later than December 31, 1998. The referendum shall be
held pursuant to this Act and in accordance with the appli-
cable provisions of Puerto Rico’s electoral law and other
relevant statutes consistent with this Act. Approval of a
status option must be by a majority of the valid votes cast.
The referendum shall be on the approval of 1 of the 3
options presented on the ballot as follows:
‘‘Instructions: Mark the status option you choose as
each is defined below. Ballot with more than 1 option
marked will not be counted.
‘‘A. COMMONWEALTH.—If you agree, mark here
lll
‘‘Puerto Rico should retain Commonwealth, in
which—
‘‘(1) Puerto Rico is joined in a relationship with
and under the national sovereignty of the United
States. It is the policy of the Congress that this rela-
tionship should only be dissolved by mutual consent.
‘‘(2) Under this political relationship, Puerto
Rico like a State is an autonomous political entity,
sovereign over matters not ruled by the Constitution
of the United States. In the exercise of this sov-
ereignty, the laws of the Commonwealth shall govern
in Puerto Rico to the extent that they are consistent
with the Constitution, treaties, and laws of the
United States. Congress retains its constitutional
authority to enact laws it deems necessary relating
to Puerto Rico.
‘‘(3) Persons born in Puerto Rico have United
States citizenship by statute as secured by the Con-
stitution. It is the policy of the United States that
citizenship will continue to be granted to persons
born in Puerto Rico. The rights, privileges, and im-
munities provided for by the United States Constitu-
tion apply in Puerto Rico, except where limited by
the Constitution to citizens residing in a State.
‘‘(4) Puerto Rico will continue to participate in
Federal programs and may be enabled to participate
equally with the States in the programs where it is
not now participating equally contingent on the pay-
ment of contributions, which may include payment
of taxes, as provided by Federal law.
‘‘B. SEPARATE SOVEREIGNTY.—If you agree, mark
here lll
‘‘The people of Puerto Rico should become fully self-
governing through separate sovereignty in the form of
independence or free association, in which—
‘‘(1) Puerto Rico is a sovereign Republic which
has full authority and responsibility over its territory
and population under a constitution which is the su-
preme law, providing for a republican form of gov-
ernment and the protection of human rights;
‘‘(2) the Republic of Puerto Rico is a member
of the community of nations vested with full powers
and responsibilities for its own fiscal and monetary
policy, immigration, trade, and the conduct in its
own name and right of relations with other nations
and international organizations, including the rights
and responsibilities that devolve upon a sovereign
nation under the general principles of international
law;
‘‘(3) the residents of Puerto Rico owe allegiance
to and have the nationality and citizenship of the
Republic of Puerto Rico;
‘‘(4) the Constitution and laws of the United
States no longer apply in Puerto Rico, and United
States sovereignty in Puerto Rico is ended; there-
upon birth in Puerto Rico or relationship to persons
with statutory United States citizenship by birth in
the former territory shall cease to be a basis for
United States nationality or citizenship, except that
persons who had such United States citizenship have
a statutory right to retain United States nationality
and citizenship for life, by entitlement or election as
provided by the United States Congress, based on
continued allegiance to the United States: Provided,
That such persons will not have this statutory
United States nationality and citizenship status
upon having or maintaining allegiance, nationality,
and citizenship rights in any sovereign nation, in-
cluding the Republic of Puerto Rico, other than the
United States;
‘‘(5) the previously vested rights of individuals
in Puerto Rico to benefits based upon past services
rendered or contributions made to the United States
shall be honored by the United States as provided by
Federal law;
‘‘(6) Puerto Rico and the United States seek to
develop friendly and cooperative relations in matters
of mutual interest as agreed in treaties approved
pursuant to their respective constitutional processes,
and laws including economic and programmatic as-
sistance at levels and for a reasonable period as pro-
vided on a government-to-government basis, trade
between customs territories, transit of citizens in ac-
cordance with immigration laws, and status of
United States military forces; and
‘‘(7) a free association relationship may be es-
tablished based on separate sovereign republic status
as defined above, but with such delegations of gov-
ernment functions and other cooperative arrange-
ments as may be agreed to by both parties under a
bilateral pact terminable at will by either the United
States or Puerto Rico.
‘‘C. STATEHOOD.—If you agree, mark here lll
‘‘Puerto Rico should become fully self governing
through Statehood, in which—
‘‘(1) the people of Puerto Rico are fully self-
governing with their rights secured under the United
States Constitution, which shall be fully applicable
in Puerto Rico and which, with the laws and treaties
of the United States, is the supreme law and has the
same force and effect as in the other States of the
Union;
‘‘(2) the State of Puerto Rico becomes a part
of the permanent union of the United States of
America, subject to the United States Constitution,
with powers not prohibited by the Constitution to
the States, reserved to the State of Puerto Rico in
its sovereignty or to the people;
‘‘(3) United States citizenship of those born in
Puerto Rico is recognized, protected and secured in
the same way it is for all United States citizens born
in the other States;
‘‘(4) rights, freedoms, and benefits as well as
duties and responsibilities of citizenship, including
payment of Federal taxes, apply in the same manner
as in the several States;
‘‘(5) Puerto Rico is represented by two mem-
bers in the United States Senate and is represented
in the House of Representatives proportionate to the
population;
‘‘(6) United States citizens in Puerto Rico are
enfranchised to vote in elections for the President
and Vice President of the United States; and
‘‘(7) Official English language requirements of
the Federal Government apply in Puerto Rico to the
same extent as Federal law requires throughout the
United States.’’.
(b) TRANSITION STAGE.—
(1) PLAN.—(A) Within 180 days of the receipt
of the results of the referendum from the Govern-
ment of Puerto Rico certifying approval of a ballot
choice of full self-government in a referendum held
pursuant to subsection (a), the President shall de-
velop and submit to Congress legislation for a tran-
sition plan of not more than 10 years which leads
to full self-government for Puerto Rico consistent
with the terms of this Act and the results of the ref-
erendum and in consultation with officials of the
three branches of the Government of Puerto Rico,
the principal political parties of Puerto Rico, and
other interested persons as may be appropriate.
(B) Additionally, in the event of a vote in favor
of separate sovereignty, the Legislature of Puerto
Rico, if deemed appropriate, may provide by law for
the calling of a constituent convention to formulate,
in accordance with procedures prescribed by law,
Puerto Rico’s proposals and recommendations to im-
plement the referendum results. If a convention is
called for this purpose, any proposals and rec-
ommendations formally adopted by such convention
within time limits of this Act shall be transmitted to
Congress by the President with the transition plan
required by this section, along with the views of the
President regarding the compatibility of such pro-
posals and recommendations with the United States
Constitution and this Act, and identifying which, if
any, of such proposals and recommendations have
been addressed in the President’s proposed transi-
tion plan.
(C) Additionally, in the event of a vote in favor
of continued United States sovereignty leading to
Statehood, the transition plan required by this sub-
section shall—
(i) include proposals and incentives to in-
crease the opportunities of the people of Puerto
Rico to expand their English proficiency in
order to promote and facilitate communication
with residents of all other States of the United
States and with the Federal Government, in-
cluding teaching in English in public schools,
awarding fellowships and scholarships, and pro-
viding grants to organizations located in various
communities that have, as a purpose, the pro-
motion of English language skills;
(ii) promote the use of English by the
United States citizens in Puerto Rico in order
to ensure—
(I) efficiency in the conduct and co-
ordination of the official business activities
of the Federal and State Governments;
(II) that the citizens possess the lan-
guage skill necessary to contribute to and
participate in all aspects of the Nation;
and
(III) the ability of all citizens of Puer-
to Rico to take full advantage of the oppor-
tunities and responsibilities accorded to all
citizens, including education, economic ac-
tivities, occupational opportunities, and
civic affairs; and
(iii) include the effective date of incorpora-
tion, thereby permitting the greatest degree of
flexibility for the phase-in of Federal programs
and the development of the economy through
fiscal incentives, alternative tax arrangements,
and other measures.
(D) In the event of a vote in favor of Common-
wealth, the Government of Puerto Rico may call a
Special Convention to develop proposals for submis-
sion to the President and the Congress for changes
in Federal policy on matters of economic and social
concern to the people of Puerto Rico. The President
and the Congress, as appropriate, shall expeditiously
consider any such proposals. The Commonwealth
would assume any expenses related to increased re-
sponsibilities resulting from such proposals.
(2) 
CONGRESSIONAL
CONSIDERATION.—The
plan shall be considered by the Congress in accord-
ance with section 6.
(3) PUERTO RICAN APPROVAL.—
(A) Not later than 180 days after enact-
ment of an Act pursuant to paragraph (1) pro-
viding for the transition to full self-government
for Puerto Rico as approved in the initial deci-
sion referendum held under subsection (a), a
referendum shall be held under the applicable
provisions of Puerto Rico’s electoral law on the
question of approval of the transition plan.
(B) Approval must be by a majority of the
valid votes cast. The results of the referendum
shall be certified to the President of the United
States.
(c) IMPLEMENTATION STAGE.—
(1) PRESIDENTIAL
RECOMMENDATION.—Not
less than two years prior to the end of the period
of the transition provided for in the transition plan
approved under subsection (b), the President shall
submit to Congress a joint resolution with a rec-
ommendation for the date of termination of the
transition and the date of implementation of full
self-government for Puerto Rico within the transi-
tion period consistent with the ballot choice ap-
proved under subsection (a).
(2) 
CONGRESSIONAL
CONSIDERATION.—The
joint resolution shall be considered by the Congress
in accordance with section 6.
(3) PUERTO RICAN APPROVAL.—
(A) Within 180 days after enactment of
the terms of implementation for full self-govern-
ment for Puerto Rico, a referendum shall be
held under the applicable provisions of Puerto
Rico’s electoral laws on the question of the ap-
proval of the terms of implementation for full
self-government for Puerto Rico.
(B) Approval must be by a majority of the
valid votes cast. The results of the referendum
shall be certified to the President of the United
States.
SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO REFERENDA, IN-
CLUDING INCONCLUSIVE REFERENDUM AND
APPLICABLE LAWS.
(a) APPLICABLE LAWS.—
(1) 
REFERENDA
UNDER
PUERTO
RICAN
LAWS.—The referenda held under this Act shall be
conducted in accordance with the applicable laws of
Puerto Rico, including laws of Puerto Rico under
which voter eligibility is determined and which re-
quire United States citizenship and establish other
statutory requirements for voter eligibility of resi-
dents and nonresidents.
(2) FEDERAL LAWS.—The Federal laws appli-
cable to the election of the Resident Commissioner
of Puerto Rico shall, as appropriate and consistent
with this Act, also apply to the referenda. Any ref-
erence in such Federal laws to elections shall be con-
sidered, as appropriate, to be a reference to the
referenda, unless it would frustrate the purposes of
this Act.
(b) CERTIFICATION OF REFERENDA RESULTS.—The
results of each referendum held under this Act shall be
certified to the President of the United States and the
Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
by the Government of Puerto Rico.
(c) CONSULTATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IN-
CONCLUSIVE REFERENDUM.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—If a referendum provided in
section 4(b) or (c) of this Act does not result in ap-
proval of a fully self-governing status, the President,
in consultation with officials of the three branches of
the Government of Puerto Rico, the principal politi-
cal parties of Puerto Rico, and other interested per-
sons as may be appropriate, shall make rec-
ommendations to the Congress within 180 days of
receipt of the results of the referendum regarding
completion of the self-determination process for
Puerto Rico under the authority of Congress.
(2) ADDITIONAL REFERENDA.—To ensure that
the Congress is able on a continuing basis to exer-
cise its Territorial Clause powers with due regard
for the wishes of the people of Puerto Rico respect-
ing resolution of Puerto Rico’s permanent future po-
litical status, in the event that a referendum con-
ducted under section 4(a) does not result in a major-
ity vote for separate sovereignty or statehood, there
is authorized to be further referenda in accordance
with this Act, but not less than once every 10 years.
SEC. 6. CONGRESSIONAL PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDER-
ATION OF LEGISLATION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The majority leader of the House
of Representatives (or his designee) and the majority lead-
er of the Senate (or his designee) shall each introduce leg-
islation (by request) providing for the transition plan
under section 4(b) and the implementation recommenda-
tion under section 4(c) not later than 5 legislative days
after the date of receipt by Congress of the submission
by the President under that section, as the case may be.
(b) REFERRAL.—The legislation shall be referred on
the date of introduction to the appropriate committee or
committees in accordance with rules of the respective
Houses. The legislation shall be reported not later than
the 120th calendar day after the date of its introduction.
If any such committee fails to report the bill within that
period, that committee shall be automatically discharged
from consideration of the legislation, and the legislation
shall be placed on the appropriate calendar.
(c) CONSIDERATION.—
(1) After the 14th legislative day after the date
on which the last committee of the House of Rep-
resentatives or the Senate, as the case may be, has
reported or been discharged from further consider-
ation of such legislation, it is in order after the legis-
lation has been on the calendar for 14 legislative
days for any Member of that House in favor of the
legislation to move to proceed to the consideration of
the legislation (after consultation with the presiding
officer of that House as to scheduling) to move to
proceed to its consideration at any time after the
third legislative day on which the Member announces
to the respective House concerned the Member’s in-
tention to do so. All points of order against the mo-
tion to proceed and against consideration of that
motion are waived. The motion is highly privileged
in the House of Representatives and is privileged in
the Senate and is not debatable. The motion is not
subject to amendment, or to a motion to postpone,
or to a motion to proceed to the consideration of
other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by
which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall
not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consid-
eration of the legislation is agreed to, the respective
House shall immediately proceed to consideration of
the legislation without intervening motion (exception
one motion to adjourn), order, or other business.
(2)(A) In the House of Representatives, during
consideration of the legislation in the Committee of
the Whole, the first reading of the legislation shall
be dispensed with. General debate shall be confined
to the legislation, and shall not exceed 4 hours
equally divided and controlled by a proponent and
an opponent of the legislation. After general debate,
the legislation shall be considered as read for
amendment under the five-minute rule. Consider-
ation of the legislation for amendment shall not ex-
ceed 4 hours excluding time for recorded votes and
quorum calls. At the conclusion of the bill for
amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the
bill to the House with such amendments as may
have been adopted. The previous question shall be
considered as ordered on the legislation and amend-
ments thereto to final passage without intervening
motion, except one motion to recommit with or with-
out instructions. A motion to reconsider the vote on
passage of the legislation shall not be in order.
(B) In the Senate, debate on the legislation,
and all amendments thereto and debatable motions
and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited
to not more than 25 hours. The time shall be equally
divided between, and controlled by, the majority
leader and the minority leader or their designees. No
amendment that is not germane to the provisions of
such legislation shall be received. A motion to fur-
ther limit debate is not debatable.
(3) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair re-
lating to the application of the rules of the Senate
or the House of Representatives, as the case may be,
to the procedure relating to the legislation described
in subsection (a) shall be decided without debate.
(d) CONSIDERATION BY OTHER HOUSE.—(1) If, be-
fore the passage by one House of the legislation described
in subsection (a) that was introduced in that House, that
House receives from the other House the legislation de-
scribed in subsection (a)—