WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

RS 46

The Senate of Puerto Rico hereby requests that the United States Government declassify and release all documentation concerning the deaths of Carlos Muñiz-Varela and Santiago Mari-Pesquera, which occurred in Puerto Rico in 1979 and 1976, respectively, in the interest of transparency and justice

2025-2028 Session

The bill requests the U.S. to declassify and release all federal records on the deaths of Carlos Muñiz-Varela (1979) and Santiago Mari-Pesquera (1976) for transparency and justice.

Texto de Aprobación Final en Senado
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · RS 46

Summary — Senate Resolution RS 46 (Puerto Rico)

Bill number: RS 46
Title: Request that the United States Government declassify and release all documentation concerning the deaths of Carlos Muñiz‑Varela (1979) and Santiago Mari‑Pesquera (1976) in Puerto Rico, in the interest of transparency and justice
Classification: Resolution (non‑binding request)
Introduced: February 13, 2025
Status: Texto de Aprobación Final en Senado (approved by the Senate)

Purpose and intent

The resolution formally asks the Government of the United States to declassify and make public all federal records, files, and documentation related to the deaths of two individuals who died in Puerto Rico in the 1970s: Carlos Muñiz‑Varela (1979) and Santiago Mari‑Pesquera (1976). The stated purpose is to promote transparency, facilitate justice, and allow public and family access to information surrounding those deaths.

Key provisions

  • A formal request from the Senate of Puerto Rico to relevant United States federal authorities to:
    • Declassify and release all documentation relating to the deaths of Carlos Muñiz‑Varela and Santiago Mari‑Pesquera.
    • Make those records available to the public and to the families/representatives of the deceased.
  • The resolution does not specify a deadline, mechanism, or funding; it functions as an official expression of the Senate’s position and request.

Who is affected

  • Families and descendants of Carlos Muñiz‑Varela and Santiago Mari‑Pesquera, who may gain access to federal records.
  • The broader Puerto Rican public, researchers, historians, and journalists seeking information about these cases.
  • United States federal agencies that may hold relevant records (for example, law enforcement, intelligence, or national archives), which would be the recipients of the request.

Procedural history (all actions on February 13, 2025)

  • Radicado (filed)
  • Appeared in First Reading in the Senate
  • Discharged in Senate
  • Placed on the Senate Calendar of Special Orders
  • Approved without amendments
  • Approved by the Senate in Final Vote
  • Texto de Aprobación Final en Senado (final approval text issued)

Limitations and likely implications

  • As a resolution requesting declassification, RS 46 is non‑binding on U.S. federal agencies; it does not compel action under U.S. law.
  • Release of records remains subject to U.S. classification rules, FOIA processes, and applicable exemptions (e.g., national security, privacy).
  • If federal agencies comply, release could enable renewed review of the cases, greater public accountability, and additional historical documentation. If agencies decline, families and the Senate may pursue further requests or advocacy.

This resolution represents an official, unanimous (approved without amendments) expression by the Puerto Rico Senate urging federal transparency concerning two historical deaths on the island.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.