,,ii #aahth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #cbca ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,november #f1 #bjbc,mr4 ,heinrich 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,cortez ,masto1 ,mr4 ,padilla1 ,mr4 ,wyden1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,schatz1 ,mr4 ,fetterman1 ,mr4 ,markey1 ,mr4 ,merkley1 ,ms4 ,baldwin1 ,mr4 ,whitehouse1 ,mr4 ,reed1 ,mr4 ,hickenlooper1 ,mr4 ,lujn1 ,mr4 ,casey1 ,mrs4 ,murray1 ,mr4 ,sanders1 ,mr4 ,bennet1 ,mr4 ,van ,hollen1 and ,mr4 ,booker7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources ,a ,,bill ,to enable the people of ,puerto ,rico to choose a permanent1 nonterritorial1 fully self-governing political status for ,puerto ,rico and to provide for a transition to and the implementation of that permanent1 nonterritorial1 fully self-governing political status1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,puerto ,rico ,status ,act4 #b4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4,sec4 #b4 ,table of contents4,sec4 #c4 ,findings4,sec4 #d4 ,definitions4,sec4 #e4 ,plebiscite4,sec4 #f4 ,nonpartisan voter education campaign4,sec4 #g4 ,oversight4,sec4 #h4 ,funds for voter education2 plebiscites4,sec4 #i4 ,bilingual voter educational materials and ballots4,sec4 #aj4 ,puerto ,rico ,oversight1 ,management1 and ,economic ,stability ,act4,sec4 #aa4 ,severability4,title ,i--,transition and ,implementation--,independence,sec4 #aja4 ,constitutional convention4,sec4 #ajb4 ,character of the constitution4,sec4 #ajc4 ,submission2 ratification4,sec4 #ajd4 ,election of officers4,sec4 #aje4 ,conforming amendments to existing law4,sec4 #ajf4 ,joint ,transition ,commission4,sec4 #ajg4 ,proclamations by ,president of the ,united ,states2 ,head of ,state of ,puerto ,rico4,sec4 #ajh4 ,legal and constitutional provisions4,sec4 #aji4 ,judicial pronouncements4,sec4 #aaj4 ,citizenship and immigration laws after ,puerto ,rican independence4,sec4 #aaa4 ,individual rights to economic benefits and grants4,title ,,ii--,transition and ,implementation--,sovereignty in ,free ,association with the ,united ,states,sec4 #bja4 ,constitutional convention4,sec4 #bjb4 ,character of the constitution4,sec4 #bjc4 ,submission2 ratification4,sec4 #bjd4 ,election of officers4,sec4 #bje4 ,proclamations by ,president of the ,united ,states2 ,head of ,state of ,puerto ,rico4,sec4 #bjf4 ,legal and constitutional provisions4,sec4 #bjg4 ,judicial pronouncements4,sec4 #bjh4 ,citizenship and immigration laws after sovereignty through free association4,sec4 #bji4 ,conforming amendments to existing law4,sec4 #baj4 ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission4,sec4 #baa4 ,articles of ,free ,association approval and effective date4,sec4 #bab4 ,termination4,sec4 #bac4 ,individual rights to economic benefits and grants4,title ,,iii--,transition and ,implementation--,statehood,sec4 #cja4 ,presidential proclamation2 admission into the ,union4,sec4 #cjb4 ,conforming amendments to existing law4,sec4 #cjc4 ,territory and boundaries4,sec4 #cjd4 ,constitution4,sec4 #cje4 ,elections of ,senators and ,representatives1 certification1 and legal disputes4,sec4 #cjf4 ,state title to land and property4,sec4 #cjg4 ,continuity of laws1 government1 and obligations4,sec4 #cjh4 ,judicial pronouncements4 #c4 ,findings ,in recognition of the inherent limitations of ,puerto ,rico's territorial status1 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-government1 ,congress seeks to enable the eligible voters of ,puerto ,rico to choose a permanent1 non-territorial1 fully self-governing political status for ,puerto ,rico and to provide for a transition to and the implementation of said permanent1 nonterritorial1 fully self-governing status4 #d4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission ,the term ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission means the ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission established under section #bji7;a74 7#b7 ,elections ,commission ,the term ,elections ,commission means the ,puerto ,rico ,state ,elections ,commission 7,comisin ,estatal de ,elecciones de ,puerto ,rico1 in ,spanish74 7#c7 ,eligible voters ,the term eligible voters means bona fide residents of ,puerto ,rico who are otherwise qualified to vote in general elections in ,puerto ,rico4 7#d7 ,initial plebiscite ,the term initial plebiscite means the plebiscite required by section #e7;a77#a74 7#e7 ,majority ,the term majority means more than #ej percent4 7#f7 ,runoff plebiscite ,the term runoff plebiscite means the plebiscite required by section #e7;a77#d74 #e4 ,plebiscite 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,initial plebiscite ,a plebiscite to resolve ,puerto ,rico's political status shall be held on ,november #b1 #bjbe4 7#b7 ,options ,the plebiscite held under paragraph 7#a7 shall offer eligible voters a choice of one of the three options which shall be presented on the ballot as follows3 7,a7 ,independence4 7,b7 ,sovereignty in ,free ,association with the ,united ,states4 7,c7 ,statehood4 7#c7 ,majority vote required ,approval of a status option must be by a majority of the valid votes cast4 7#d7 ,runoff plebiscite ,if there is not a majority in favor of one of the three options defined in this ,act1 then a runoff plebiscite shall be held on ,march #h1 #bjbf1 which shall offer eligible voters a choice of the two options that received the most votes in the plebiscite held under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,ballot language ,a ballot for a plebiscite required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following language1 except that the ballot for the runoff plebiscite shall omit the option that received the fewest votes in the initial plebiscite3 7#a7 ,instructions ,mark the status option you choose as each is defined below4 ,a ballot with more than #a option marked will not be counted4 ,a ballot with no option marked will not be counted4 7#b7 ,independence ,if you agree1 mark here 4 7,a7 ,puerto ,rico is a sovereign nation that has full authority and responsibility over its territory and population under a constitution of its own adoption which shall be the supreme law of the nation4 7,b7 ,puerto ,rico is vested with full powers and responsibilities consistent with the rights and responsibilities that devolve upon a sovereign nation under international law1 including its own fiscal and monetary policy1 immigration1 trade1 and the conduct in its own name and right of relations with other nations and international organizations4 7,c7 ,puerto ,rico has full authority and responsibility over its citizenship and immigration laws1 and 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 citizenship1 except that persons who have such ,united ,states citizenship have a right to retain ,united ,states nationality and citizenship for life1 by entitlement or election as provided by ,federal law4 7,d7 ,puerto ,rico will no longer be a possession of the ,united ,states for purposes of the ,internal ,revenue ,code4 ,in general1 ,united ,states citizens and ,united ,states businesses in the nation of ,puerto ,rico will be subject to ,united ,states ,federal tax laws 7as is the case with any other ,united ,states citizen or ,united ,states business abroad7 and to ,puerto ,rican tax laws4 ,puerto ,rico's status as an independent1 sovereign nation will be the controlling factor in the taxation of ,puerto ,rican taxpayers4 7,e7 ,the ,constitution and laws of the ,united ,states no longer apply in ,puerto ,rico and ,united ,states sovereignty in ,puerto ,rico is ended4 7#c7 ,sovereignty in ,free ,association with the ,united ,states ,if you agree1 mark here 4 7,a7 ,puerto ,rico is a sovereign nation that has full authority and responsibility over its territory and population under a constitution of its own adoption which shall be the supreme law of the nation4 7,b7 ,puerto ,rico is vested with full powers and responsibilities consistent with the rights and responsibilities that devolve upon a sovereign nation under international law1 including its own fiscal and monetary policy1 immigration1 trade1 and the conduct in its own name and right of relations with other nations and international organizations1 except as otherwise provided for in the ,articles of ,free ,association to be negotiated by ,puerto ,rico and the ,united ,states4 7,c7 ,puerto ,rico has full authority and responsibility over its citizenship and immigration laws1 and persons who have ,united ,states citizenship have a right to retain ,united ,states nationality and citizenship for life by entitlement or election as provided by ,federal law4 7,d7 ,birth in ,puerto ,rico shall cease to be a basis for ,united ,states nationality or citizenship4 ,individuals born in ,puerto ,rico to at least one parent who is a citizen of the ,united ,states shall be ,united ,states citizens at birth1 consistent with the immigration laws of the ,united ,states1 for the duration of the first agreement of the ,articles of ,free ,association4 7,e7 ,puerto ,rico enters into ,articles of ,free ,association with the ,united ,states1 with such devolution and reservation of governmental functions and other bilateral arrangements as may be agreed to by both ,parties under the ,articles1 which shall be terminable at will by either the ,united ,states or ,puerto ,rico at any time4 7,f7 ,puerto ,rico will no longer be a possession of the ,united ,states for purposes of the ,internal ,revenue ,code4 ,in general1 ,united ,states citizens and ,united ,states businesses in the nation of ,puerto ,rico will be subject to ,united ,states ,federal tax laws 7as is the case with any other ,united ,states citizen or ,united ,states business abroad7 and to ,puerto ,rican tax laws4 ,puerto ,rico's status as an independent1 sovereign nation will be the controlling factor in the taxation of ,puerto ,rican taxpayers4 ,in addition1 ,puerto ,rico will enter into an agreement with the ,united ,states to provide for ,sovereignty in ,free ,association between the two nations4 ,this agreement may modify the otherwise applicable tax rules1 subject to negotiation and ratification by the two nations4 7,g7 ,the ,constitution of the ,united ,states no longer applies in ,puerto ,rico1 the laws of the ,united ,states no longer apply in ,puerto ,rico except as otherwise provided in the ,articles of ,free ,association1 and ,united ,states sovereignty in ,puerto ,rico is ended4 7,h7 ,all matters pertaining to the government-to-government relationship between ,puerto ,rico and the ,united ,states1 which may include foreign affairs1 trade1 finance1 taxation1 currency1 economic assistance1 security and defense1 dispute resolution and termination1 shall be provided for in the ,articles of ,free ,association4 7#d7 ,statehood ,if you agree1 mark here 4 7,a7 ,the ,state of ,puerto ,rico is admitted into the ,union on an equal footing with the other ,states in all respects whatever and is a part of the permanent union of the ,united ,states of ,america1 subject to the ,united ,states ,constitution1 with powers not prohibited by the ,constitution to the ,states and reserved to the ,state of ,puerto ,rico or to its residents4 7,b7 ,the residents of ,puerto ,rico are fully self-governing with their rights secured under the ,united ,states ,constitution1 which shall be fully applicable in ,puerto ,rico and which1 with the laws and treaties of the ,united ,states1 is the supreme law and has the same force and effect in ,puerto ,rico as in the other ,states of the ,union4 7,c7 ,united ,states citizenship of those born in ,puerto ,rico is recognized1 protected1 and secured under the ,united ,states ,constitution in the same way such citizenship is for all ,united ,states citizens born in the other ,states4 7,d7 ,puerto ,rico will no longer be a possession of the ,united ,states for purposes of the ,internal ,revenue ,code4 ,instead1 the ,state of ,puerto ,rico will become a ,state on equal footing with each of the current #ej ,states in the ,united ,states of ,america4 ,individuals and businesses resident in the ,state of ,puerto ,rico will be subject to ,united ,states ,federal tax laws as well as applicable ,state tax laws4 7c7 ,implementation of ,plebiscite ,the plebiscites authorized by this section shall be implemented by the ,elections ,commission1 consistent with the laws of ,puerto ,rico and ,federal law4 7d7 ,results ,the ,elections ,commission shall inform the ,president of the ,united ,states1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives1 the ,senate ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources1 and the ,house ,committee on ,natural ,resources of-- 7#a7 the results of the initial plebiscite not later than #cj calendar days after the initial plebiscite is held2 and 7#b7 the results of the runoff plebiscite1 if held1 not later than #cj calendar days after the runoff plebiscite is held4 7e7 ,jurisdiction of ,district ,court ,the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action alleging a dispute or controversy pertaining to electoral processes conducted under this section4 #f4 ,nonpartisan voter education campaign 7a7 ,in general ,the ,elections ,commission shall carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign through traditional paid media and make available at all voting locations voter education materials related to the plebiscites authorized under this ,act consistent with ,department of ,justice approval under section #g4 7b7 ,voter education materials ,at a minimum1 the voter education materials shall address for each option-- 7#a7 international representation2 7#b7 citizenship and immigration2 and 7#c7 access and treatment under ,federal law and programs4 #g4 ,oversight 7a7 ,submission of materials ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,elections ,commission shall submit the ballot design and voter education materials for the plebiscites authorized under this ,act to the ,united ,states ,attorney ,general for review and the ,elections ,commission shall make not more than one submission of the ballot design and voter education materials to the ,attorney ,general for review4 7b7 ,effect of ,failure ,to comply ,if the ,attorney ,general fails to comply with subsection 7c7 within the #de-;day period1 the ballot design and voter education materials shall be considered approved4 7c7 ,review ,not later than #de days after receiving the ballot design and voter education materials under subsection 7a71 the ,attorney ,general shall review the ballot design and voter education materials to ensure consistency with this ,act and to ensure that the three options defined in this ,act are represented fairly1 especially in the event that any of the three options are not represented on the ,elections ,commission by a member of a political party that supports such option1 and-- 7#a7 return the materials to the ,elections ,commission with comments and instructions for changes2 or 7#b7 before the expiration of the #de-;day period1 inform the ,elections ,commission that no instructions or requests for changes shall be made under paragraph 7#a71 but that the ,attorney ,general reserves the right to submit instructions for changes in accordance with this section if additional information comes to the attention of the ,attorney ,general during the remainder of the #de-;day period4 7d7 ,revision ,not later than #de days after receiving comments and instructions for changes from the ,attorney ,general under subsection 7c71 the ,elections ,commission shall revise the ballot design and voter education materials as requested by the ,attorney ,general4 7e7 ,election ,observers ,the ,elections ,commission shall invite national and international election observers to ensure transparency and confidence in the electoral process4 ,observers shall be present during the initial plebiscite vote and during the runoff plebiscite vote4 #h4 ,funds for voter education2 plebiscites 7a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for the ,elections ,commission to carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign and an initial plebiscite and1 if necessary1 a runoff plebiscite under this ,act4 7b7 ,existing funds ,notwithstanding any provision of ,public ,law #aac-gf1 funds made available under such ,act to carry out a plebiscite on ,puerto ,rico's status shall be made available to carry out this ,act4 #i4 ,bilingual voter educational materials and ballots ,all voter educational materials and ballots used to carry out this ,act shall be made available in ,english and ,spanish4 #aj4 ,puerto ,rico ,oversight1 ,management1 and ,economic ,stability ,act ,upon the admission of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico into the ,union or on the date that the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico initially takes office3 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,puerto ,rico ,oversight1 ,management1 and ,economic ,stability ,act 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4 #baja et seq47 shall no longer apply to the ,state of ,puerto ,rico or the nation of ,puerto ,rico1 as the case may be4 7#b7 ,oversight board ,the ,financial ,oversight and ,management ,board for ,puerto ,rico established under section #aja7;b77#a7 of the ,puerto ,rico ,oversight1 ,management1 and ,economic ,stability ,act 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4 #baba7;b77#a77 is terminated and all duties and responsibilities assigned to the ,oversight ,board shall return to the ,state of ,puerto ,rico or the nation of ,puerto ,rico1 as the case may be4 7#c7 ,transfer ,all funds1 property1 and assets of the board described in subparagraph 7,b7 shall be transferred to the ,state of ,puerto ,rico or the nation of ,puerto ,rico1 as the case may be4 #aa4 ,severability ,if any provision of this ,act1 or any section1 subsection1 sentence1 clause1 phrase1 or individual word1 or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid by a court of jurisdiction1 the validity of the remainder of the ,act and of the application of any such provision1 section1 subsection1 sentence1 clause1 phrase1 or individual word to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby4 ,i ,transition and ,implementation--,independence #aja4 ,constitutional convention 7a7 ,election of delegates ,not later than #f months after the effective date of certification of a plebiscite result under this ,act in favor of independence1 the legislature of ,puerto ,rico shall provide for the election of delegates to a constitutional ,convention to formulate and draft a ,constitution for the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7b7 ,eligible voters ,all eligible voters may vote in the election of delegates to the constitutional ,convention4 7c7 ,general applicability of electoral law ,the laws of the territory of ,puerto ,rico relating to the electoral process shall apply to a special election held under this ,act4 7d7 ,initial meeting ,not later than #c months after the election of delegates to the constitutional ,convention1 the elected delegates shall meet at such time and place as the legislature of ,puerto ,rico shall determine4 ,the initial meeting shall constitute the establishment of the constitutional ,convention4 #ajb4 ,character of the constitution ,the constitutional ,convention under section #aja shall formulate and draft a ,constitution for ,puerto ,rico that guarantees the protection of fundamental human rights1 including-- 7#a7 due process and equal protection under the law2 7#b7 freedom of speech1 press1 assembly1 association1 and religion2 7#c7 the rights of the accused2 7#d7 any other economic1 social1 and cultural rights as the constitutional ,convention may deem appropriate and necessary2 and 7#e7 provisions to ensure that no individual born in the nation of ,puerto ,rico shall be stateless at birth4 #ajc4 ,submission2 ratification 7a7 ,submission ,not later than one year after the establishment of the constitutional ,convention1 the ,constitution formulated and drafted by the constitutional ,convention shall be submitted to the eligible voters of ,puerto ,rico for ratification or rejection in a special election4 7b7 ,manner of election ,the special election held under this subsection shall be held in the manner prescribed by the legislature of ,puerto ,rico4 #ajd4 ,election of officers 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one month after the ratification of the ,constitution under section #ajc1 the ,governor of the territory of ,puerto ,rico shall issue a proclamation calling for the election of such officers of the nation of ,puerto ,rico as may be required by the ratified ,constitution4 7b7 ,rejection ,if the special election results in rejection of the ,constitution1 the process provided for in sections #aja through #ajc shall be repeated1 except that section #aja7;a7 shall be applied by substituting-- 7#a7 the special election for a plebiscite2 and 7#b7 rejecting of the ,constitution for in favor of independence4 7c7 ,deadline2 procedures ,the election under subsection 7a7 shall be held-- 7#a7 not later than #f months after the date of ratification of the ,constitution2 and 7#b7 in accordance with the procedures and requirements established in the ,constitution of the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7d7 ,certification of results ,not later than #aj days after the election of officers under subsection 7a71 the ,elections ,commission shall certify the results of the election4 ,the ,governor of the territory of ,puerto ,rico shall inform the results of the election to the ,president of the ,united ,states1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives4 #aje4 ,conforming amendments to existing law 7a7 ,review ,not later than #cj days after the initial meeting of a constitutional ,convention under section #aja7;d71 the ,president shall initiate a review of ,federal law with respect to ,puerto ,rico1 including those regarding-- 7#a7 taxation of persons and businesses2 7#b7 health care2 7#c7 housing2 7#d7 transportation2 7#e7 education2 and 7#f7 entitlement programs4 7b7 ,recommendations ,not later than one year after the date on which the ,president initiates a review under subsection 7a71 the ,president shall submit recommendations to ,congress for changes to ,federal law identified during such review1 as the ,president deems appropriate4 #ajf4 ,joint ,transition ,commission 7a7 ,appointment ,not later than #c months after the establishment of a constitutional ,convention under section #aja7;d71 a ,joint ,transition ,commission shall be appointed in equal numbers by the ,president of the ,united ,states and the presiding officer of the ,constitutional ,convention of ,puerto ,rico4 7b7 ,duties ,the ,joint ,transition ,commission shall be responsible for expediting the orderly transfer of all functions currently exercised by the ,federal ,government in ,puerto ,rico1 or in relation to ,puerto ,rico to the nation of ,puerto ,rico1 and shall recommend to ,congress any appropriate legislation to carry out such transfer4 7c7 ,collaboration ,the ,government of the territory of ,puerto ,rico and the agencies of the ,government of the ,united ,states shall collaborate with the ,joint ,transition ,commission and subsequently the officers of the nation of ,puerto ,rico1 to provide for the orderly transfer of the functions under subsection 7b74 #ajg4 ,proclamations by ,president of the ,united ,states2 ,head of ,state of ,puerto ,rico 7a7 ,proclamation ,not later than one month after the official certification of the elected officers of the nation of ,puerto ,rico under section #ajd7;d71 the ,president of the ,united ,states shall by proclamation-- 7#a7 withdraw and surrender all rights of possession1 supervision1 jurisdiction1 control1 or sovereignty then existing and exercised by the ,united ,states over the territory and residents of ,puerto ,rico2 7#b7 recognize1 on behalf of the ,united ,states of ,america1 the independence of the nation of ,puerto ,rico and the authority of the government instituted by eligible voters of ,puerto ,rico under the ,constitution of their own adoption2 and 7#c7 state that the effective date of withdrawal of the sovereignty of the ,united ,states and recognition of independence shall be the same as the date of the proclamation4 7b7 ,copy of ,proclamation forwarded ,the ,president of the ,united ,states shall forward a copy of the proclamation issued under subsection 7a7 not later than one week after signature to the presiding officer of the ,constitutional ,convention of ,puerto ,rico1 the officer elected as head of state of the nation1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives1 the ,senate ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources1 and the ,house ,committee on ,natural ,resources4 7c7 ,date ,government ,to ,take ,office ,not later than one week after the date of receipt of the ,presidential proclamation and with the advice of the officer elected as head of state of the nation1 the presiding officer of the constitutional ,convention shall determine the date on which the ,government of the nation shall take office1 and shall so notify the ,governor of the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,president of the ,united ,states1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 and the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives4 #ajh4 ,legal and constitutional provisions ,upon the proclamation of independence as provided in this title1 and except as otherwise provided in this title or in any separate agreements thereafter concluded between the ,united ,states and the nation of ,puerto ,rico-- 7#a7 all property1 rights1 and interests which the ,united ,states may have acquired over ,puerto ,rico by virtue of the ,treaty of ,paris of #ahih1 and thereafter by cession1 purchase1 or eminent domain1 with the exception of such land and other property1 rights1 or interests as may have been sold or otherwise legally disposed of prior to the proclamation of ,independence1 shall vest ipso facto in the nation of ,puerto ,rico2 and 7#b7 except as provided in section #aaj1 all laws of the ,united ,states applicable to the territory of ,puerto ,rico immediately prior to the proclamation of ,independence shall no longer apply in the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 #aji4 ,judicial pronouncements 7a7 ,judgments before proclamation ,the nation of ,puerto ,rico shall recognize and give effect to all orders and judgments rendered by ,united ,states or territorial courts before the date of the proclamation of independence pursuant to the laws of the ,united ,states then applicable to the territory of ,puerto ,rico4 7b7 ,continuity of pending proceedings ,all judicial proceedings pending in the courts of the territory of ,puerto ,rico on the day of the proclamation of independence shall be continued in the corresponding courts under the ,constitution of the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7c7 ,transfer of judicial power ,upon the proclamation of independence1 the judicial power of the ,united ,states shall no longer extend to ,puerto ,rico4 ,all proceedings pending in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico shall be transferred to the corresponding ,puerto ,rican courts of competence or other competent judicial authority under the ,constitution of the nation of ,puerto ,rico for disposition in conformity with laws applicable at the time when the controversy in process arose4 ,all proceedings pending in the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for the ,first ,circuit1 or in the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states1 that initiated in1 or that could have been initiated in1 the courts of the territory or in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico shall continue until their final disposition and shall be submitted to the competent authority of the nation of ,puerto ,rico for proper execution3 ,provided1 ,that neither the ,united ,states nor any of its officers is a party1 in which case any final judgment shall be properly executed by the competent authority of the ,united ,states4 #aaj4 ,citizenship and immigration laws after ,puerto ,rican independence 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,puerto rican nationality ,after the effective date of independence1 the citizenship status of each individual born in ,puerto ,rico shall be determined in accordance with the ,constitution and laws of the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7#b7 ,united states immigration laws ,except as described in this section1 after the effective date of independence citizens of ,puerto ,rico seeking to enter into the ,united ,states or obtain citizenship in the ,united ,states shall be subject to the immigration laws of the ,united ,states 7as such term is defined in section #aja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja774 7b7 ,effect of puerto rican citizenship ,nothing in this ,act precludes or limits the applicability of section #cdi of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adha71 except that the provision of citizenship by the laws of ,puerto ,rico shall not constitute or otherwise serve as the basis of loss1 or relinquishment of ,united ,states citizenship under such section4 7c7 ,citizenship at birth after independence ,an individual born in ,puerto ,rico after the effective date of independence to at least one parent who became a ,united ,states citizen under section #cjb of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adjb7 is not a ,united ,states citizen at birth under subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7g7 of section #cja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adja7;c71 7d71 or 7g774 7d7 ,travel and work authorization 7#a7 ,any person in the following categories may enter1 lawfully engage in occupations1 and establish residence as a nonimmigrant in the ,united ,states and its territories and possessions without regard to paragraphs 7#e77;,a7 and 7#g7 of section #bab7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a72 7#e77;,a7 and 7#g77-- 7,a7 a person who acquires the citizenship of ,puerto ,rico1 at birth1 on or after the effective date of independence2 or 7,b7 a naturalized citizen of ,puerto ,rico1 who has been an actual resident there for not less than five years after attaining such naturalization and who holds a proof of such residence4 ,such persons shall be considered to have the permission of the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security to accept employment in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,the right of such persons to establish habitual residence in a territory or possession of the ,united ,states may1 however1 be subjected to nondiscriminatory limitations provided for-- 7,a7 in statutes or regulations of the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 in those statutes or regulations of the territory or possession concerned which are authorized by the laws of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,this subsection shall expire #be years after the date of independence4 7e7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,in general ,section #aja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7 is amended by striking ,puerto ,rico1 in subsection 7a7 paragraph 7#cf7 and in subsection 7a7 paragraph 7#ch74 7#b7 ,prior to independence ,puerto ,rico shall be considered to be in the ,united ,states1 as such term is defined in section #aja7;a77#ch7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#ch77 prior to the effective date of independence4 7f7 ,rule of ,construction ,nothing in this section shall limit the power and authority of the ,united ,states to change policy requirements for ,united ,states citizenship4 #aaa4 ,individual rights to economic benefits and grants 7a7 ,rights and benefits ,all vested rights and benefits which accrue to residents of the territory of ,puerto ,rico under the laws of the ,united ,states from past services or contributions1 such as rights and benefits for veterans or relatives of veterans of the ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states1 retired ,government employees1 or beneficiaries of old age1 disability1 or survivors' insurance benefits under the ,social ,security ,act1 shall not be interrupted after the proclamation of independence but will continue until such time as said rights and benefits are completely extinguished according to the applicable laws of the ,united ,states4 ,all services which must be rendered as part of these rights and benefits shall be made available through the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico in accordance with agreements reached by the two nations4 7b7 ,social ,security ,system ,notwithstanding the provisions in subsection 7a71 all contributions made by employees and employers in ,puerto ,rico to the ,social ,security system with respect to persons who1 upon the proclamation of independence1 are residents of the nation of ,puerto ,rico and are not yet eligible for old age1 disability1 or survivors' insurance benefits under the system1 shall be transferred to the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico once said ,government establishes its own social security system4 ,the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico may not use these funds for any purpose other than the establishment and operation of a social security system4 ,upon the transfer described herein1 the obligations of the ,united ,states ,government under the ,social ,security ,act with respect to such residents of the nation of ,puerto ,rico shall cease4 7c7 ,other ,federal transfer payments 7#a7 ,block grants ,all other ,federal transfer payments to individuals and to the ,government of the territory of ,puerto ,rico shall be maintained in the form of annual block grants to be used discretionally by the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7#b7 ,annual aggregate funding ,during the ten fiscal years following the proclamation of independence1 the annual block grants shall amount to the annual aggregate funding of all programs which currently extend to the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 or of all programs which shall have been extended to the territory of ,puerto ,rico during the fiscal year immediately prior to the proclamation of independence1 whichever shall be greater4 7#c7 ,decrease in amount ,the annual block grants shall decrease thereafter on a straight-line basis1 at the rate of ten percent each year1 beginning on the eleventh fiscal year after the proclamation of independence4 ,at any time during the aforementioned transition period the terms of this subsection may be modified by agreement between the ,united ,states and the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 ,,ii ,transition and ,implementation--,sovereignty in ,free ,association with the ,united ,states #bja4 ,constitutional convention 7a7 ,election of delegates ,not later than #f months after the effective date of certification of a plebiscite result under this ,act in favor of ,sovereignty in ,free ,association with the ,united ,states1 the legislature of ,puerto ,rico shall provide for the election of delegates to a constitutional ,convention to formulate and draft a ,constitution for the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7b7 ,eligible voters ,all eligible voters may vote in the election of delegates to the constitutional ,convention4 7c7 ,general applicability of electoral law ,the laws of the territory of ,puerto ,rico relating to the electoral process shall apply to a special election held under this ,act4 7d7 ,initial meeting ,not later than #c months after the election of delegates to the constitutional ,convention1 the elected delegates shall meet at such time and place as the legislature of ,puerto ,rico shall determine4 ,the initial meeting shall constitute the establishment of the constitutional ,convention4 #bjb4 ,character of the constitution ,the constitutional ,convention under section #bja shall formulate and draft a ,constitution for ,puerto ,rico that guarantees the protection of fundamental human rights1 including-- 7#a7 due process and equal protection under the law2 7#b7 freedom of speech1 press1 assembly1 association1 and religion2 7#c7 the rights of the accused2 7#d7 any other economic1 social1 and cultural rights as the constitutional ,convention may deem appropriate and necessary2 and 7#e7 provisions to ensure that no individual born in the nation of ,puerto ,rico shall be stateless at birth4 #bjc4 ,submission2 ratification 7a7 ,submission ,not later than #b years after the establishment of the constitutional ,convention1 the ,constitution formulated and drafted by the constitutional ,convention shall be submitted to the eligible voters of ,puerto ,rico for ratification or rejection in a special election4 7b7 ,manner of election ,the special election held under this subsection shall be held in the manner prescribed by the legislature of ,puerto ,rico4 #bjd4 ,election of officers 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one month after the ratification of the ,constitution under section #bjc1 the ,governor of the territory of ,puerto ,rico shall issue a proclamation calling for the election of such officers of the nation of ,puerto ,rico as may be required by the ratified ,constitution4 7b7 ,rejection ,if the special election results in rejection of the ,constitution1 the process provided for in sections #bja through #bjc shall be repeated1 except that section #bja7;a7 shall be applied by substituting-- 7#a7 the special election for a plebiscite2 and 7#b7 rejecting the ,constitution for in favor of sovereignty in free association with the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,deadline2 procedures ,the election under subsection 7a7 shall be held-- 7#a7 not later than #f months after the date of ratification of the ,constitution2 and 7#b7 in accordance with the procedures and requirements established in the ,constitution of the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7d7 ,certification of results ,not later than #aj days after the election of officers under subsection 7a71 the ,elections ,commission shall certify the results of the election4 ,the ,governor of the territory of ,puerto ,rico shall inform the results of the election to the ,president of the ,united ,states1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives4 #bje4 ,proclamations by ,president of the ,united ,states2 ,head of ,state of ,puerto ,rico 7a7 ,proclamation ,not later than one month after the official certification of the elected officers of the nation of ,puerto ,rico under section #bjd1 the ,president of the ,united ,states shall by proclamation-- 7#a7 withdraw and surrender all rights of possession1 supervision1 jurisdiction1 control1 or sovereignty then existing and exercised by the ,united ,states over the territory and residents of ,puerto ,rico2 7#b7 recognize1 on behalf of the ,united ,states of ,america1 the international sovereignty through free association of the nation of ,puerto ,rico and the authority of the government instituted by eligible voters of ,puerto ,rico under the ,constitution of their own adoption2 and 7#c7 state that the effective date of withdrawal of the sovereignty of the ,united ,states and recognition of international sovereignty through free association shall be the same as the date of the proclamation4 7b7 ,copy of proclamation forwarded ,the ,president of the ,united ,states shall forward a copy of the proclamation issued under subsection 7a7 not later than one week after signature to the presiding officer of the ,constitutional ,convention of ,puerto ,rico1 the officer elected as head of state of the nation1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives1 the ,senate ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources1 and the ,house ,committee on ,natural ,resources4 7c7 ,date ,government ,to ,take ,office ,not later than one week after the date of receipt of the ,presidential proclamation and with the advice of the officer elected as head of state of the nation1 the presiding officer of the constitutional ,convention shall determine the date on which the ,government of the nation shall take office1 and shall so notify the ,governor of the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,president of the ,united ,states1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 and the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives4 #bjf4 ,legal and constitutional provisions ,upon the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association as provided in this title1 and except as otherwise provided in this title or in any separate agreements thereafter concluded between the ,united ,states and the nation of ,puerto ,rico-- 7#a7 all property1 rights1 and interests which the ,united ,states may have acquired over ,puerto ,rico by virtue of the ,treaty of ,paris of #ahih1 and thereafter by cession1 purchase1 or eminent domain1 with the exception of such land and other property1 rights1 or interests as may have been sold or otherwise legally disposed of prior to the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association1 shall vest ipso facto in the nation of ,puerto ,rico2 and 7#b7 except as provided in section #bji1 all laws of the ,united ,states applicable to the territory of ,puerto ,rico immediately prior to the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association shall no longer apply in the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 #bjg4 ,judicial pronouncements 7a7 ,judgments before proclamation ,the nation of ,puerto ,rico shall recognize and give effect to all orders and judgments rendered by ,united ,states or territorial courts before the date of the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association pursuant to the laws of the ,united ,states then applicable to the territory of ,puerto ,rico4 7b7 ,continuity of pending proceedings ,all judicial proceedings pending in the courts of the territory of ,puerto ,rico on the day of the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association shall be continued in the corresponding courts under the ,constitution of the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7c7 ,transfer of judicial power ,upon the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association1 the judicial power of the ,united ,states shall no longer extend to ,puerto ,rico4 ,all proceedings pending in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico shall be transferred to the corresponding ,puerto ,rican courts of competence or other competent judicial authority under the ,constitution of the nation of ,puerto ,rico for disposition in conformity with laws applicable at the time when the controversy in process arose4 ,all proceedings pending in the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for the ,first ,circuit1 or in the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states1 that initiated in1 or that could have been initiated in1 the courts of the territory or in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico shall continue until their final disposition and shall be submitted to the competent authority of the nation of ,puerto ,rico for proper execution3 ,provided1 ,that neither the ,united ,states nor any of its officers is a party1 in which case any final judgment shall be properly executed by the competent authority of the ,united ,states4 #bjh4 ,citizenship and immigration laws after sovereignty through free association 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,puerto rican nationality ,after the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association1 the citizenship status of each individual born in ,puerto ,rico shall be determined in accordance with the ,constitution and laws of the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7#b7 ,united states immigration laws ,except as described in this section1 after the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association1 citizens of ,puerto ,rico seeking to enter into the ,united ,states or obtain citizenship in the ,united ,states shall be subject to the immigration laws of the ,united ,states 7as such term is defined in section #aja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja774 7b7 ,effect of puerto rican citizenship ,nothing in this ,act precludes or limits the applicability of section #cdi of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adha71 except that the provision of citizenship by the laws of ,puerto ,rico shall not constitute or otherwise serve as the basis of loss1 or relinquishment of ,united ,states citizenship under such section4 7c7 ,citizenship at birth after sovereignty 7#a7 ,in general ,except as described in paragraph 7#b71 an individual born in ,puerto ,rico after the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association to at least one parent who became a ,united ,states citizen under section #cjb of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adjb7 is not a ,united ,states citizen at birth under subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7g7 of section #cja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adja 7c71 7d71 or 7g774 7#b7 ,transition period ,during the implementation of the first ,articles of ,free ,association1 an individual born in ,puerto ,rico to at least one parent who is a citizen of the ,united ,states shall be a ,united ,states citizen at birth under section #cja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adja7 if otherwise eligible4 7d7 ,travel and work authorization 7#a7 ,any person in the following categories may enter1 lawfully engage in occupations1 and establish residence as a nonimmigrant in the ,united ,states and its territories and possessions without regard to paragraphs 7#e77;,a7 and 7#g7 of section #bab7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a72 7#e77;,a7 and 7#g773 7,a7 a person who acquires the citizenship of ,puerto ,rico1 at birth1 on or after the effective date of international sovereignty through free association2 or 7,b7 a naturalized citizen of ,puerto ,rico1 who has been an actual resident there for not less than five years after attaining such naturalization and who holds a proof of such residence4 ,such persons shall be considered to have the permission of the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security to accept employment in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,the right of such persons to establish habitual residence in a territory or possession of the ,united ,states may1 however1 be subjected to nondiscriminatory limitations provided for-- 7,a7 in statutes or regulations of the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 in those statutes or regulations of the territory or possession concerned which are authorized by the laws of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,this subsection shall expire upon the termination of the ,articles of ,free ,association in accordance with section #baa4 7e7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,in general ,section #aja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7 is amended by striking ,puerto ,rico1 in subsection 7a7 paragraph 7#cf7 and in subsection 7a7 paragraph 7#ch74 7#b7 ,prior to sovereignty ,puerto ,rico shall be considered to be in the ,united ,states1 as such term is defined in section #aja7;a77#ch7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#ch77 prior to the date of international sovereignty through free association4 7f7 ,rule of ,construction ,nothing in this section shall limit the power and authority of the ,united ,states to change policy requirements for ,united ,states citizenship4 #bji4 ,conforming amendments to existing law 7a7 ,review ,not later than #cj days after the initial meeting of a constitutional ,convention under section #bja7;d71 the ,president shall initiate a review of ,federal law with respect to ,puerto ,rico1 including those regarding-- 7#a7 taxation of persons and businesses2 7#b7 health care2 7#c7 housing2 7#d7 transportation2 7#e7 education2 and 7#f7 entitlement programs4 7b7 ,recommendations ,not later than one year after the date on which the ,president initiates a review under subsection 7a71 the ,president shall submit recommendations to ,congress for changes to ,federal law identified during such review1 as the ,president deems appropriate4 #baj4 ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission 7a7 ,in general ,if a plebiscite held under this ,act results in a majority vote for sovereignty in free association with the ,united ,states1 there shall be a ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission which shall conduct negotiations on ,articles of ,free ,association with the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,members ,not later than #c months after the establishment of the constitutional ,convention under section #bja-- 7#a7 the ,convention shall elect1 by majority vote1 #e members from among its delegates to join the ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission on behalf of ,puerto ,rico2 and 7#b7 the ,president of the ,united ,states shall designate #e members to the ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission1 one of whom shall also be nominated for the rank of ,ambassador1 to negotiate on behalf of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,initial meeting ,not later than #c months after the election and designation of members to the ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission1 members shall meet at such time and place as the legislature of ,puerto ,rico shall determine4 ,such meeting shall constitute the establishment of the ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission4 7d7 ,duties ,the ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission shall-- 7#a7 be responsible for expediting the orderly transfer of all functions currently exercised by the ,government of the ,united ,states in ,puerto ,rico1 to ,puerto ,rico1 and shall recommend to ,congress any appropriate legislation to carry into effect such transfer1 including any appropriate enabling legislation as may be required by the ,articles of ,free ,association2 7#b7 negotiate all matters pertaining to the government-to-government relationship between ,puerto ,rico and the ,united ,states through the development of the ,articles of ,free ,association1 including foreign affairs1 trade1 finance1 taxation1 currency1 economic assistance1 security and defense1 dispute resolution1 immigration1 economic benefits 7including grants71 and termination of the free association status2 and 7#c7 endeavor to complete the ,articles of ,free ,association not later than #b years after the commencement of the constitutional ,convention4 7e7 ,collaboration ,the ,government of the territory of ,puerto ,rico and the agencies of the ,government of the ,united ,states shall collaborate with the ,bilateral ,negotiating ,commission to provide for the orderly transfer of the functions of government as required by the ,articles of ,free ,association4 #baa4 ,articles of ,free ,association approval and effective date 7a7 ,approval ,the ,articles of ,free ,association shall come into effect upon mutual agreement between the ,government of the ,united ,states and the ,government of ,puerto ,rico after completion of approval by-- 7#a7 a separate ratification vote on the ,articles by the eligible voters in the special election held under section #bjc2 and 7#b7 the ,government of the ,united ,states in accordance with its constitutional processes4 7b7 ,rejection ,if the special election under subsection 7a77#a7 results in rejection of the ,articles of ,free ,association1 the process provided for in section #baj and subsection 7a7 shall be repeated4 #bab4 ,termination ,the ,articles of ,free ,association between the ,united ,states and ,puerto ,rico may be terminated at will by either party at any time4 #bac4 ,individual rights to economic benefits and grants 7a7 ,rights and benefits ,all vested rights and benefits which accrue to residents of the territory of ,puerto ,rico under the laws of the ,united ,states from past services or contributions1 such as rights and benefits for veterans or relatives of veterans of the ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states1 retired ,government employees1 or beneficiaries of old age1 disability1 or survivors' insurance benefits under the ,social ,security ,act1 shall not be interrupted after the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association but will continue until such time as said rights and benefits are completely extinguished according to the applicable laws of the ,united ,states4 ,all services which must be rendered as part of these rights and benefits shall be made available through the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico in accordance with agreements reached by the two nations4 7b7 ,social ,security ,system ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 all contributions made by employees and employers in ,puerto ,rico to the ,social ,security system with respect to persons who1 upon the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association1 are residents of the nation of ,puerto ,rico and are not yet eligible for old age1 disability1 or survivors' insurance benefits under the system1 shall be transferred to the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico once said ,government establishes its own social security system4 ,the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico may not use these funds for any purpose other than the establishment and operation of a social security system4 ,upon the transfer described herein1 the obligations of the ,united ,states ,government under the ,social ,security ,act with respect to such residents of the nation of ,puerto ,rico shall cease4 7c7 ,other ,federal transfer payments ,all other ,federal transfer payments to individuals and to the ,government of the territory of ,puerto ,rico shall be maintained in the form of annual block grants to be used discretionally by the ,government of the nation of ,puerto ,rico-- 7#a7 during the #aj fiscal years following the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association1 the annual block grants shall amount to the annual aggregate funding of all programs which currently extend to the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 or of all programs which shall have been extended to the territory of ,puerto ,rico during the fiscal year immediately prior to the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association1 whichever shall be greater2 and 7#b7 the annual block grants shall decrease thereafter on a straight-line basis1 at the rate of ten percent each year1 beginning on the eleventh fiscal year after the proclamation of international sovereignty through free association4 ,at any time during the aforementioned transition period the terms of this subsection may be modified by agreement between the ,united ,states and the nation of ,puerto ,rico4 7d7 ,revision ,the terms and conditions of this subsection may be revised as part of an agreement under the ,articles of ,free ,association4 ,,iii ,transition and ,implementation--,statehood #cja4 ,presidential proclamation2 admission into the ,union ,if a plebiscite held under this ,act results in a majority vote for statehood3 7#a7 ,presidential proclamation2 date of admission ,upon receipt of the ,elections ,commission's certification of the plebiscite results pursuant to section #e7;d71 the ,president shall issue a proclamation declaring the date that ,puerto ,rico is admitted as a ,state of the ,union on an equal footing with all other ,states1 which shall be a date not later than one year after the effective date of the plebiscite results4 7#b7 ,submission of ,proclamation ,the ,president shall cause such proclamation to be submitted to the ,governor of ,puerto ,rico1 the legislature of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,united ,states ,senate1 the ,speaker of the ,united ,states ,house of ,representatives1 the ,senate ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources1 and the ,house ,committee on ,natural ,resources4 7#c7 ,admission into the ,union ,subject to the provisions of this ,act1 and upon the date declared by the ,president for admission of ,puerto ,rico as a ,state under the proclamation under paragraph 7#a71 the territory of ,puerto ,rico shall be a ,state of the ,united ,states of ,america and as such admitted into the ,union on an equal footing with the other ,states in all respects4 ,upon admission1 ,puerto ,rico shall be known as the ,state of ,puerto ,rico4 7#d7 ,incorporation ,puerto ,rico shall remain unincorporated until its admission as a ,state of the ,union under paragraph 7#c74 #cjb4 ,conforming amendments to existing law 7a7 ,review ,not later than #cj days after the certification of a plebiscite result under this ,act in favor of statehood1 the ,president shall initiate a review of ,federal law with respect to ,puerto ,rico1 including those regarding-- 7#a7 taxation of persons and businesses2 7#b7 health care2 7#c7 housing2 7#d7 transportation2 7#e7 education2 and 7#f7 entitlement programs4 7b7 ,recommendations ,not later than one year after the date on which the ,president initiates a review under subsection 7a71 the ,president shall submit any recommendations to ,congress for changes to ,federal law identified during such review1 as the ,president deems appropriate4 #cjc4 ,territory and boundaries ,the ,state of ,puerto ,rico shall consist of all of the islands1 together with their appurtenant reefs1 seafloor1 submerged lands1 and territorial waters in the seaward boundary1 presently under the jurisdiction of the territory of ,puerto ,rico4 #cjd4 ,constitution 7a7 ,in general ,the ,constitution of the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 as approved by ,public ,law #hb-ddg and subsequently amended as of the date of enactment of this ,act is hereby found to be republican in form and in conformity with the ,constitution of the ,united ,states and the principles of the ,declaration of ,independence1 and is hereby accepted1 ratified1 and confirmed as the ,constitution of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico4 7b7 ,future constitutions ,the ,constitution of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico-- 7#a7 shall always be republican in form2 and 7#b7 shall not be repugnant to the ,constitution of the ,united ,states and the principles of the ,declaration of ,independence4 #cje4 ,elections of ,senators and ,representatives1 certification1 and legal disputes 7a7 ,elections of ,senators and ,representatives ,not more than one month after the proclamation under section #cja1 the ,governor of ,puerto ,rico shall issue a declaration that shall designate and announce the dates and other requirements for primary and general elections under applicable ,federal and local law for representation in the ,senate and the ,house of ,representatives of the ,united ,states upon admission of ,puerto ,rico as a ,state4 7b7 ,resident commissioner ,the office of ,resident ,commissioner of ,puerto ,rico shall cease to exist upon the swearing in of the first ,representative from the ,state of ,puerto ,rico to the ,house of ,representatives4 7c7 ,senators and representatives 7#a7 ,in general ,upon its admission into the ,union1 the ,state of ,puerto ,rico shall be entitled to ,senators and ,representatives who shall be entitled to be admitted to seats in the ,congress of the ,united ,states and to all the rights and privileges of ,senators and ,representatives of the other ,states in the ,congress of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,first election of ,senators ,in the first election of ,senators1 the two senatorial offices shall be separately identified and designated1 and no person may be a candidate for both offices4 ,nothing in this section shall impair the privilege of the ,senate to determine the class and term to which each of the ,senators elected shall be assigned1 with the exception that the ,senators shall not be in the same class4 7#c7 ,first election of ,representatives ,in the first election of ,representatives1 and subsequent elections until the next ,census-based reapportionment cycle1 the ,state of ,puerto ,rico shall be entitled to the same number of ,representatives as the ,state whose most recent ,census population was closest to1 but less than1 that of ,puerto ,rico1 and such ,representatives shall be in addition to the membership of the ,house of ,representatives as now prescribed by law4 ,any such increase in the membership shall not operate to either increase or decrease the permanent membership of the ,house of ,representatives as prescribed in the ,act of ,august #h1 #aiaa 7#cg ,stat4 #ac71 nor shall such temporary increase affect the basis of apportionment established by the ,act of ,november #ae1 #aida 7#ee ,stat4 #gfa71 for the #hc;d ,congress and each ,congress thereafter1 unless ,congress acts to increase the total number of ,members of the ,house of ,representatives4 ,thereafter1 the ,state of ,puerto ,rico shall be entitled to such number of ,representatives as provided for by applicable law based on the next reapportionment4 ,the apportionment of congressional districts for the first election and subsequent election of ,representatives shall be conducted as provided for by the ,constitution and laws of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico for state legislative districts4 7d7 ,certification of results ,the ,elections ,commission shall certify the results of primary and general elections for representation in the ,senate and the ,house of ,representatives of the ,united ,states to the ,governor4 ,not later than #aj days after the date of each certification1 the ,governor shall declare the results of the primary and general elections1 and transmit the results of each election to the ,president of the ,united ,states1 the ,president pro tempore of the ,senate1 and the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives4 7e7 ,jurisdiction of ,district ,court ,the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action alleging a dispute or controversy pertaining to electoral processes conducted under this section4 #cjf4 ,state title to land and property 7a7 ,state title ,the ,state of ,puerto ,rico and its political subdivisions and dependencies shall have and retain title to all property1 real and personal1 held by the territory of ,puerto ,rico and its political subdivisions and dependencies on the date of the admission of ,puerto ,rico into the ,union4 7b7 ,federal title ,any lands and other properties that1 as of the date of admission of ,puerto ,rico into the ,union1 are set aside pursuant to law for the use of the ,united ,states under any-- 7#a7 ,act of ,congress2 7#b7 ,executive order2 7#c7 proclamation of the ,president2 or 7#d7 proclamation of the ,governor of the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 shall remain the property of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,continental shelf ,the ,state of ,puerto ,rico shall have the exclusive right to explore1 exploit1 lease1 possess1 and use all seabed1 natural1 and mineral resources lying within three marine leagues 7nine nautical miles7 from its shore1 as granted under section #h of the ,act of ,march #b1 #aiag 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4 #gdi2 #ci ,stat4 #ied74 ,all other rights of sovereignty in regards to the continental shelf and waters1 shall belong to the ,united ,states1 except those already vested in ,puerto ,rico4 #cjg4 ,continuity of laws1 government1 and obligations ,upon the admission of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico into the ,union3 7#a7 ,continuity of laws ,all of the territorial laws in force in ,puerto ,rico on the date of issuance of the proclamation described in section #cja7a7 not inconsistent with this ,act or the ,constitution of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico shall be and continue in force and effect throughout the ,state1 until amended1 modified1 or repealed by the ,state4 ,all of the laws of the ,united ,states shall have the same force and effect within the ,state as in the other several ,states4 7#b7 ,continuity of government ,the individuals holding legislative1 executive1 and judicial offices of ,puerto ,rico shall continue to discharge the duties of their respective offices when ,puerto ,rico becomes a ,state of the ,union in1 under1 or by authority of the government of the ,state1 as provided by the constitution and laws of the ,state4 7#c7 ,continuity of obligations ,all contracts1 obligations1 liabilities1 debts1 and claims of the territory of ,puerto ,rico and its instrumentalities at the moment of admission shall continue in full force and effect as the contracts1 obligations1 liabilities1 debts1 and claims of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico and its instrumentalities when ,puerto ,rico becomes a ,state of the ,union4 7#d7 ,use and enjoyment of property ,all laws of the ,united ,states reserving to the ,united ,states the free use or enjoyment of property which vests in or is conveyed to the ,state of ,puerto ,rico or its political subdivisions pursuant to this section or reserving the right to alter1 amend1 or repeal laws relating thereto1 shall cease to be effective4 #cjh4 ,judicial pronouncements 7a7 ,pending ,no writ1 action1 indictment1 cause1 or proceeding pending in any court of the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 shall abate by reason of the admission of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico into the ,union1 but shall proceed within such appropriate ,state courts as shall be established under the ,constitution of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico1 or shall continue in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico1 as the nature of the case may require4 7b7 ,not yet pending ,all civil causes of action and all criminal offenses1 which shall have arisen or been committed before the admission of the ,state1 but as to which no writ1 action1 indictment1 or proceeding shall be pending at the date of such admission1 shall be subject to prosecution in the appropriate ,state courts or in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico in like manner1 to the same extent1 and with like right of appellate review1 as if such ,state had been created and such ,state courts had been established prior to the accrual of such causes of action or the commission of such offenses4 ,the admission of the ,state shall effect no change in the procedural or substantive laws governing causes of action and criminal offenses which shall have arisen or been committed1 and any such criminal offenses as shall have been committed against the laws of the territory of ,puerto ,rico1 shall be tried and punished by the appropriate courts of the ,state1 and any such criminal offenses as shall have been committed against the laws of the ,united ,states shall be tried and punished in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico4 7c7 ,appeals ,parties shall have the same rights of judicial review of final decisions of the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico or the ,supreme ,court of ,puerto ,rico1 in any case finally decided prior to the admission of the ,state of ,puerto ,rico into the ,union1 whether or not an appeal therefrom shall have been perfected prior to such admission4 ,the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for the ,first ,circuit and the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states1 shall have the same jurisdiction in such cases as by law provided prior to the admission of the ,state into the ,union4 ,any mandate issued subsequent to the admission of the ,state1 shall be to the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico or a court of the ,state1 as appropriate4 ,parties shall have the same rights of appeal from and appellate review of all orders1 judgments1 and decrees of the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,puerto ,rico and of the ,supreme ,court of ,puerto ,rico1 in any case pending at the time of admission of the ,state into the ,union1 and the ,supreme ,court of ,puerto ,rico and the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states shall have the same jurisdiction therein1 as by law provided in any case arising subsequent to the admission of the ,state into the ,union4