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HR 9246

Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act

119th Congress Introduced by Wesley Bell and 7 co-sponsors

Authorizes a formal process for Puerto Rico to determine its political status through a vote, with framework, eligibility, timelines, and federal oversight.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9246

Overview

HR 9246 of the 119th Congress is a bill aimed at enabling the people of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to determine its political status. The measure appears to focus on providing a framework or process for Puerto Rico to decide, through a political process or referendum-like mechanism, what status Puerto Rico would have (e.g., territorio status, statehood, independence/associated free state, or other status options) and for related purposes. The text provided here includes only the bill’s title, sponsor information, and first-action history, not the full legislative text. The summary below reflects what can be inferred from the available information and typical structures of similar status-determination legislation.

Purpose and intent

  • To authorize or facilitate a process by which the people of Puerto Rico can determine their political status.
  • To establish a pathway for Puerto Rico to choose among potential status options in a manner that is recognized or supervised by the federal government or Congress, with the aim of resolving long-standing questions about sovereignty and political relationship with the United States.

Key provisions and changes (inferred)

Note: The specific statutory text is not provided in the summary. Based on the title and typical provisions in status-determination bills, the bill could include:
- A framework for a status vote, referendum, plebiscite, or a series of votes to decide among status options.
- Establishment of eligibility criteria for Puerto Rico voters or residents participating in the status process.
- Timelines or milestones for initiating, conducting, and certifying the status determination vote.
- Roles for federal and local authorities in organizing and funding the process.
- Safeguards for fairness, including transparency, voter education, and protection of minority rights.
- Provisions addressing the consequences of the vote, potential authorization for Congress to take further action, and mechanisms for implementing the chosen status.

As the exact text is not provided, the above reflect common structural elements found in status-determination or self-determination measures.

Affected parties and scope

  • Residents of Puerto Rico, qualifying voters, and political stakeholders (parties, civic groups, and community organizations) engaged in the status discussion.
  • The United States Congress and relevant federal agencies that would oversee or enable the status process.
  • Potential impacts on federal-state relations, funding, governance arrangements, territorial status, and constitutional considerations for Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources (as of 2026-06-10).
  • The committee referral indicates procedural steps, including potential hearings, markups, and reporting, before any floor action.
  • Timeline specifics (e.g., start date for the status process, deadlines for votes, or implementation dates) would be defined in the bill’s text and any subsequent committee or floor amendments.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Not listed in the provided excerpt, but the bill has multiple co-sponsors:
    • Wesley Bell
    • Brad Sherman
    • John Larson
    • Val Hoyle
    • Bennie Thompson
    • Julie Johnson
    • Deborah Ross
    • Derek Tran

Potential implications

  • If enacted, the bill could set in motion a formal pathway for Puerto Rico to choose a future political status.
  • Depending on Congress’s action following a Puerto Rican status decision, outcomes could include changes to territorial status, potential statehood, or other arrangements.
  • The initiative could impact federal funding, governance, representation, and constitutional considerations surrounding Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States.

Note

  • For a precise understanding of duties, timelines, eligibility, funding, and legal effects, the full text of HR 9246 and its committee reports should be consulted. The current summary is based on the bill’s title, sponsors, and standard elements of status-determination legislation.

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

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