Your response from Senator Bill Nelson

Dear Mr Arroyo:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Puerto Rico statehood movement. I appreciate your taking the time to inform me of your views on this issue.

Puerto Rico, a U.S. possession since 1898, became a commonwealth in 1952. Since that time, Puerto Ricans have proposed several alternatives to the commonwealth’s current political status. The three major political parties in Puerto Rico, the New Progressive Party (NPP), the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), and the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), support statehood, enhanced commonwealth, and independence options, respectively. Issues such as taxation, Federal support, citizenship, and cultural preservation have perpetuated the debate on this issue for years.

As you know, numerous referenda have been held in Puerto Rico, but for various reasons, the results have been inconclusive. Last March, the Puerto Rican legislature approved legislation to allow a referendum in which Puerto Ricans would vote for or against demanding that the President and Congress express commitment to debate and resolve the issue of Puerto Rico's political status. The legislation was vetoed by Governor Acevedo Vila, however, the legislature countered with a concurrent resolution. The resolution would allow a petition to Congress and the President for an electoral method through which Puerto Ricans could define their political relationship with the U.S. The resolution did not need the governor's signature for approval.

Additionally, commissions have been created over the years to study factors bearing on the U.S.- Puerto Rico relationship. The President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status, created during the Clinton administration, produced a report on the political status options available for Puerto Rico in December 2005. The report asserted the three constitutionally recognized options for Puerto Rico (independence, statehood, or continuation of its current status) and acted as a starter for Senate legislation (S. 2304). That bill would initiate the process for the development of, or vote on, Puerto Rico's political status.

Puerto Ricans continue to be internally divided about their status vis-à-vis the United States. As developments occur, I will be sure to keep your views in mind. Please don't hesitate to contact me in the future.

Puerto Rico - US Colony By Jonathan Beale BBC NEWS martes 28 de marzo de 2006

http://www.miperiodico.org/noticiasread.asp?r=SUVNTYTTFI

Responding to your message to Rep. Putnam

Dear Mr. Arroyo:

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the political status of Puerto Rico. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you may already know, United States sovereignty over Puerto Rico originated with the acquisition of the islands in 1898 after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. For decades, the federal government administered governmental operations in Puerto Rico through military commanders or civilian officials appointed by the President. But in 1950, Congress enacted legislation (P.L. 81-600) authorizing Puerto Rico to hold a constitutional convention; and in 1952, the people of Puerto Rico ratified a constitution that established a republican form of government for the islands. After being approved by Congress and the President in July 1952 and thus given force under federal law (P.L. 82-447), the new constitution went into effect on July 25, 1952. Puerto Rico is subject to congressional jurisdiction under the Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Under this authority, Congress has passed legislation that governs Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States. Residents of Puerto Rico hold U.S. citizenship, serve in the military, are subject to federal laws, benefit from federal aid as approved by Congress, and are represented in the House of Representatives by a Resident Commissioner elected to a four-year term. Puerto Ricans, however, do not vote in national elections; their Resident Commissioner in Washington does not vote on the floor of the House; and although Puerto Ricans pay federal tax on income derived from sources in the United States, they pay no federal tax on income earned in Puerto Rico. These and other aspects of the relationship of Puerto Rico to the United States are settled matters of law, but some elements of the relationship have been and continue to be matters of debate. Some contend that the current political status of Puerto Rico, perhaps with enhancements, remains a viable option. Others argue that commonwealth status is or should be only a temporary fix to a problem to be resolved in favor of other solutions considered permanent, non-colonial, and non-territorial -- either statehood or independence as a sovereign nation. Some contend that if independence is achieved, the close relationship with the United States could be continued through compact negotiations with the federal government. One element apparently shared by all discussants is that the people of Puerto Rico seek to attain full, democratic representation, notably through voting rights on national legislation to which they are subject. A report issued in December 2005 by a presidential task force on the status of Puerto Rico asserts that there are only three constitutionally recognized options for the islands: independence, statehood, or continuation as a U.S. possession subject to the Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The document provided a catalyst for congressional consideration of the matter. Current legislation before Congress (H.R. 4963) would authorize a constitutional convention to enable delegates to develop a "self-determination proposal" for congressional consideration. Another bill (H.R. 4867) would authorize plebiscites on whether, and in which form, Puerto Rico's political status should change.

On March 2, 2006, Representative Luis Fortuño, Resident Commissioner for Puerto Rico, introduced H.R. 4867, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act. This important legislation has received the support of 97 cosponsors, of which I am one. The Puerto Rico Democracy Act would:

* Direct the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico during the 110th Congress, giving voters the option to vote for continued U.S. territorial status or for a path toward a constitutionally viable permanent nonterritorial status; * Provide for subsequent procedures, depending on ballot results; and * Authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate certain funds for the self-determination process.
This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Resources, and while I am not a member of this Committee, I look forward to supporting this bill when it is considered on the House Floor.

On March 15, 2006, Representative John Duncan, introduced H.R. 4963, the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act. H.R. 4963 would state that Congress reaffirms the inherent authority of the government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to call, and hereby expressly authorizes the calling of, a constitutional convention through the election of delegates for the purpose of establishing a mechanism for self-determination. In addition it would provide that, upon the approval by a constitutional convention in the Commonwealth of a self-determination option, the convention shall submit a self-determination proposal to Congress for approval.

The Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act would also:

* Require submission of the proposal, upon approval by Congress with or without modifications, to the people of the Commonwealth for approval or rejection in a referendum; * Require enactment of a joint resolution of Congress approving the terms of the proposal, including implementing provisions, if the people of Puerto Rico approve the proposal in the referendum; and * Provide that, if a self-determination proposal is not approved by Congress or by the people of Puerto Rico in a referendum, the Government of the Commonwealth should call for a new constitutional convention, including an election by the people of Puerto Rico of new delegates to the convention, for the purpose of formulating and submitting to Congress a new self-determination proposal.
This bill has also been referred to the House Committee on Resources, and while I am not a member of this Committee, I will be sure to keep your views in mind should this legislation come to the House Floor for a vote.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your views, If you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency, are interested in legislation that is pending before Congress or merely wish to express your opinions, please visit my website at www.adamputnam.house.gov.

May God continue to bless America.

Sincerely,

Adam Putnam
Member of Congress

Sin posición el Senador John Kerry sobre medidas de status.

http://www.endi.com/2006/03/23/politica/389112.asp?category=Politica&title=Sin+posicion+Kerry+sobre+medidas+de+status&artdate=2006/03/23

Supremo no da paso a caso de voto presidencial para puertorriqueños.

http://www.endi.com/2006/03/20/Ultimahora/387391.asp?category=Ultima+hora&title=Supremo+no+da+paso+a+caso+de+voto+presidencial+para+puertorriquenos&artdate=2006/03/20

Puerto Ricans dealt blow in U.S. presidential vote.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/03/20/puerto.rico.ap/index.html

102 el número de legisladores que apoyan el HR 4867 IH

http://www.endi.com/2006/03/17/Ultimahora/386346.asp?category=Ultima+hora&title=Se+suman+21+congresistas+a+proyecto+de+Fortuno&artdate=2006/03/17

Apuesta el Congresista John Larson a los dos proyectos de status.

http://www.endi.com/2006/03/15/politica/384270.asp?category=Politica&title=Apuesta+Larson+a+los+dos+proyectos&artdate=2006/03/15

Discurso del Dr. Pedro Rosselló en el Cierre de La Gran Marcha por el Fin de La Colonia.

4 deMarzo 2006

Hoy concluimos una Gran Marcha por
una Gran Causa.
Agradecimiento
A los miles que nos acompañaron
A los que tomaron peticiones
A los que nos dieron su apoyo de
múltiples maneras con agua,
alimentos o alojo
A los que nos alimentaron con sus
palabras y gestos
A ustedes que nos reciben hoy
A ustedes se debe el triunfo histórico
de esta Marcha por el Fin de la
Colonia
Las grandes y nobles causas
requieren grandes esfuerzos.
Las grandes causas no se claudican
No se obtienen fácilmente….
Las grandes causas no prometen
caminos de rosas… sino caminos de
piedras, de espinas, de obstáculos y
dificultades.
Nuestra Causa es Grande:
Luego de más de 500 años de
coloniaje – requieren un Esfuerzo
milenario.
Luego de 108 años de territorio bajo la
bandera americana – requiere el
esfuerzo más grande en nuestra
historia como pueblo americano.
Nuestra Causa es Grande
Requiere esfuerzo
Requiere compromiso
Requiere lealtad
Requiere voluntad
La Gran Causa de Gandhi por la
descolonización de India no fue fácil.
La Gran Causa de Martin Luther King
por los derechos civiles de los
ciudadanos afro-americanos no fue
fácil.
Requirieron esfuerzo, compromiso,
lealtad y voluntad.
La voluntad no se mide en la
comodidad…. La voluntad se mide en
la adversidad.
En esta Marcha de 16 días y sobre
270 millas alrededor de este Terruño
nuestro, yo vi la Voluntad de nuestro
Pueblo.
Algunos tildaron la Marcha como una
idea descabellada…al igual que hoy
continúan diciendo que la
descolonización de Puerto Rico es
una idea descabellada.
Algunos han tratado de minimizar el
impacto de esta Marcha…desde sus
cómodos escritorios de críticos a
paga… Les puedo asegurar que no
caminaron un paso, no sudaron una
gota, no sufrieron un dolor por el Fin
de la Colonia.
Pero estos portavoces del inmovilismo
se equivocaron…
No contaron con la voluntad de
nuestro pueblo.
Yo vi esa voluntad:
La vi en un niño que caminaba
agarrado del bolsillo del pantalón de su
padre, que portaba una bandera.
La vi en innumerables trechos de
madres que llevaban sus infantes en
coches.
La vi en personas de mayor edad que
nos acompañaban en andadores.
La vi en hombres con impedimentos
que nos seguían en sus sillas de
ruedas.
La vi en hombres y mujeres fuertes y
saludables, sudando, subiendo la
subida del Guano, de Maunabo a
Yabucoa.
…o la cuesta de la Corco de
Guayanilla a Peñuelas.
La vi tanto en mujeres caminando en
sus chinelas…como en los jóvenes en
sus tenis deportivos.
Yo vi la Voluntad de este Pueblo
La vi desde la cumbre y desde el llano.
La vi a través del sol candente de
Fajardo y Luquillo… y de la bendita
lluvia de Naguabo.
Yo vi la Voluntad de este Pueblo
La vi en la persecución de unos que
nos acompañaron, paso a paso, sin
fallar en cada una de las 275 millas de
esta gesta…
La vi en Junior Pérez
La vi en Leo Díaz
La vi en Jorge Santini
_____
La vi en todo momento en mi
compañera de vida Maga.
_____
Y la vi en los sobre un millón y medio
de hermanos y hermanas
puertorriqueños con quien tuvimos
contacto a lo largo de la ruta.
Yo caminé por todo Puerto Rico
Yo Marché por el Fin de la Colonia
Y yo vi la voluntad de este Pueblo.
_____
Algunos en el Camino, me
preguntarán ¿Cuánto falta?
Cuánto falta, no para terminar el
tramo, o concluir la Marcha.
Sino cuánto falta para ver el Fin de la
Colonia
Y yo les contesto – No falta mucho
No falta mucho porque hemos visto el
esfuerzo, el compromiso de nuestra
gente
No falta mucho porque hemos visto
sobre todo la Voluntad por terminar
con nuestro periodo colonial.
Por eso les digo…
¡Ahora es!
Cuándo es?
¡Ahora es!

Joint Statement By Sen. Pete Domenici and Sen. Jeff Bingaman

http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=234838&Month=2&Year=2006

The Puerto Rico Status Debate: Why Congress? Why Now?

http://www.lulac.org/advocacy/issues/puertorico/prdebate.html

Puerto Rico Could Soon Get Real Vote on Status By Carol J. Williams, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-status17feb17,0,653442.story?coll=la-headlines-nation

Carta al Congreso de los Estados Unidos Por Jose M. Arroyo

February 22, 2006


Jose M. Arroyo
107 Shaddock Drive
Auburndale, FL 33823

Dear Congressman:

First of all, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude and respect to you, for protecting our freedom as well as our constitution of the United States of America.

As a young 100% total and permanent disabled veteran from the U.S. Army I am troubled by an issue that has been under consideration for many years now. An issue that touches family, friends and fellow citizens of mine. That is the political status of Puerto Rico.

As you know, there are nearly 4,000,000 United States citizens living in the islands of Puerto Rico, who have been under United States sovereignty and within the United States customs territory for over 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.

Under the territorial clause of the constitution, Congress has the authority and responsibility to determine federal policy and clarify status issues in order to resolve the issue of Puerto Rico’s final status.

During numerous times the government of Puerto Rico has conducted plebiscites initiated under local law of Puerto Rico’s political status. In those votes none of the three status propositions received a majority of the votes cast. It is my strong believe that what the people of Puerto Rico needs is not a local plebiscite sponsored by the local government, but one enacted by the United States Congress.

The report by the President’s task force on Puerto Rico’s status dated December 2005 clearly recognizes that the authority under the U.S Constitution to establish a permanent non-territorial status for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico rests with Congress. That same report also has some recommendations which are the following:

1. The Task Force recommends that Congress within a year provide for a Federally sanctioned plebiscite in which the people of Puerto Rico will be asked to state whether they wish to remain a U.S. territory subject to the will of Congress or to pursue a Constitutionally viable path toward a permanent non-territorial status with the United States. Congress should provide for this plebiscite to occur on a date certain.

2. The Task Force recommends that if the people of Puerto Rico elect to pursue a permanent non-territorial status, Congress should provide for an additional plebiscite allowing the people of Puerto Rico to choose between one of the two permanent non-territorial options. Once the people have selected one of the two options, Congress is encouraged to begin a process of transition toward that option.

3. If the people elect to remain as a territory, the Task Force recommends, consistent with the 1992 memorandum of President Bush, that a plebiscite occur periodically, as long as that status continues, to keep Congress informed of the people’s wishes.

For some unknown reason, the issue of the political status of Puerto Rico goes untouched year after year by Congress. I hear statements, received letters on that issue and hear the positions of some members of the federal government, but no actions are ever taken. The Report by the President’s task force on Puerto Rico’s status is a great tool for Congress to start a sincere process that will ultimately provide the people of Puerto Rico their right to self determination. The former Governor of Puerto Rico and former Commissioner Resident Carlos Romero Barceló said once that, “to ignore the situation of Puerto Rico is to betray the spirit of our democracy, values and traditions.”

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has a rich tradition and history. As United States citizens, the people of Puerto Rico have enhanced American society and culture. Among their many contributions, Puerto Ricans have been recognized for their service and sacrifice in the United States Armed Forces. Don’t you think is time to honor them with the right of self determination?

I invite you to take a close look at the Report by the President’s task force on Puerto Rico’s status and to sponsor legislation regarding this so important and historic issue.

I hope to hear from you and your position towards the Puerto Rico’s political status.

May God continue to bless America.

Sincerely,


Jose M. Arroyo

Report by the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status

http://www.house.gov/fortuno/pdf/PuertoRicoBooklet.pdf

Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2006 HR 4867 IH

Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2006 (Introduced in House)

HR 4867 IH

109th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 4867

To provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 2, 2006

Mr. FORTUN.AE6O (for himself, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. HOYER, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island, Mr. HYDE, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. PENCE, Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. WELLER, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. BONILLA, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. FOLEY, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. CANNON, Mr. GILCHREST, Mr. PEARCE, Mr. NUNES, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. RENZI, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. DENT, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. POE, Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. MICA, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. SCHWARZ of Michigan, Ms. HART, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. MACK, Mr. WELDON of Florida, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. FOSSELLA, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. WAMP, Mr. COBLE, Mr. MOLLOHAN, Mr. HOSTETTLER, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. KELLER, Mr. KUHL of New York, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. WYNN, Mr. KIND, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. NADLER, Mr. WALDEN of Oregon, Mrs. TAUSCHER, and Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources

A BILL

To provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2006'.

(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Findings.

Sec. 3. Federally sanctioned process for Puerto Rico's self-determination, including initial

plebiscite and subsequent procedures.

Sec. 4. Applicable laws and other requirements.

Sec. 5. Availability of funds for the self-determination process.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress finds the following:
(1) On November 30, 1992, President George H.W. Bush issued a Memorandum to Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies recognizing that `As long as Puerto Rico is a territory . . . the will of its people regarding their political status should be ascertained periodically by means of a general right of referendum . . .'.

(2) Consistent with this policy, on December 23, 2000, President William J. Clinton issued Executive Order 13183, establishing the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status for purposes that included identifying the options for the territory's future political status `. . . that are not incompatible with the Constitution and basic laws and policies of the United States . . .', as well as the process for realizing such options.

(3) President George W. Bush adopted Executive Order 13183 and, on December 3, 2003, amended it to require that the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status issue a report `. . . no less frequently than once every 2 years, on progress made in the determination of Puerto Rico's ultimate status.'.

(4) On December 22, 2005, the Task Force appointed by President George W. Bush issued a report recommending that:

(A) The Congress provide within a year for a federally sanctioned plebiscite in which the people of Puerto Rico would be asked to vote on whether they wish to remain a United States territory or pursue a constitutionally viable path toward a permanent nonterritorial status.

(B) If the people of Puerto Rico elect to pursue a permanent nonterritorial status, Congress should provide for a subsequent plebiscite allowing the people of Puerto Rico to choose between one of the two permanent nonterritorial status options. Once a majority of the people has selected one of the two options, Congress is encouraged to begin a process of transition toward that option.

(C) If the people of Puerto Rico elect to remain as a United States territory, further plebiscites should occur periodically, as long as a territorial status continues, to keep Congress informed of the people's wishes.

SEC. 3. FEDERALLY SANCTIONED PROCESS FOR PUERTO RICO'S SELF-DETERMINATION, INCLUDING INITIAL PLEBISCITE AND SUBSEQUENT PROCEDURES.

(a) First Plebiscite Under This Act- The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico during the 110th Congress, but not later than December 31, 2007. The ballot shall provide for voters to choose only between the following two options:

(1) Puerto Rico should continue the existing form of territorial status as defined by the Constitution, basic laws, and policies of the United States. If you agree, mark hereXXXX.

(2) Puerto Rico should pursue a path toward a constitutionally viable permanent nonterritorial status. If you agree, mark here XXXXXX.

The two options set forth on the ballot shall be preceded by the following statement:

Instructions: Mark the option you choose as each is defined below. Ballots with more than one option marked will not be counted.

(b) Procedure If Majority in First Plebiscite Favors Continued Territorial Status- If a majority vote in a plebiscite held under subsection (a) favors the continuation of the existing territorial status, the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall conduct additional plebiscites under subsection (a) at intervals of every 8 years from the date that the results of the prior plebiscite are certified unless a majority of votes in the prior plebiscite favors pursuing a permanent nonterritorial status.

(c) Procedure If Majority in First Plebiscite Favors Permanent Nonterritorial Status- If a majority vote in any plebiscite held under subsection (a) favors permanent nonterritorial status, the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall conduct a plebiscite under this subsection. The ballot on the plebiscite under this subsection shall provide for a vote to choose only between the following two options:

(1) Statehood: Puerto Rico should be admitted as a State of the Union, on equal footing with the other States. If you agree, mark hereXXXX.

(2) Sovereign nation: Puerto Rico should become a sovereign nation, either fully independent from or in free association with the United States under an international agreement that preserves the right of each nation to terminate the association. If you agree, mark hereXXX.
The two options set forth on the ballot shall be preceded by the following statement: Instructions: Mark the option you choose as each is defined below. Ballots with more than one option marked will not be counted.

(d) Period for Holding Plebiscite- If a majority vote in the first plebiscite under subsection (a) favors permanent nonterritorial status, the plebiscite under subsection (c) shall be held during the 111th Congress, but no later than December 31, 2009. If a majority vote in a plebiscite referred to in subsection (b) favors permanent nonterritorial status, the plebiscite under subsection (c) shall be held not later than 2 years after the certification of the majority vote in such plebiscite under subsection (b).

SEC. 4. APPLICABLE LAWS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Applicable Laws- All Federal laws applicable to the election of the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico shall, as appropriate and consistent with this Act, also apply to any plebiscite held pursuant to this Act. Any reference in such Federal laws to elections shall be considered, as appropriate, to be a reference to the plebiscites, unless it would frustrate the purposes of this Act.

(b) Federal Court Jurisdiction- The Federal courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any legal claims or controversies arising from the implementation of this Act.

(c) Rules and Regulations- The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall issue all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the plebiscites under this Act.

(d) Eligibility- Each of the following shall be eligible to vote in any plebiscite held under this Act:

(1) All eligible voters under the electoral laws in effect in Puerto Rico at the time the plebiscite is held.

(2) All United States citizens born in Puerto Rico who comply, to the satisfaction of the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission, with all Puerto Rico State Elections Commission requirements (other than the residency requirement) applicable to eligibility to vote in a general election.
Persons eligible to vote under this subsection shall, upon request submitted to the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission prior to the plebiscite concerned, be entitled to receive an absentee ballot for such plebiscite.

(e) Certification of Plebiscite Results- The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall certify the results of each plebiscite held under this Act to the President of the United States and the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.

(f) Report After Second Plebiscite- No later than 6 months after the plebiscite provided for in section 3(c), the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status shall submit a report to the Congress, prepared in consultation with the Governor, the Resident Commissioner, the President of the Senate of Puerto Rico, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico, detailing measures that may be taken to implement the permanent nonterritorial status option chosen in the plebiscite together with such recommendations as the Task Force may deem appropriate.

SEC. 5. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE SELF-DETERMINATION PROCESS.

During the period beginning October 1, 2006, and ending on the date the President determines that all the plebiscites required by this Act have been held, the Secretary of the Treasury may allocate, from the funds provided to the Government of Puerto Rico under section 7652(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, not more than $5,000,000 to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico to be used for expenses of carrying out each plebiscite carried out under this Act, including for voter education materials certified by the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status as not being incompatible with the Constitution and basic laws and policies of the United States. Such amounts may be as identified by the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status as necessary for such purposes.