The Transition Stage begins
with a majority vote for one of the status
choices for full self-government (separate
sovereignty or statehood) *. Within 180 days of
the referendum, the President submits to Congress
a Transition Plan of ten years minimum for the
status selected by the Puerto Rican voters.
Once the transition Plan is approved by
Congress through expedited procedures, it is
submitted to the voters of Puerto Rico for
ratification. If approved. The transition period
begins by Presidential orders. I f the plan is
rejected, the president is directed to consult
with leaders of Puerto and submit recommendations
to Congress.
The Implementation Stage
begins at least two years prior to the end of the
Transition Plan. The President submits to
Congress an Implementation Plan to fulfill the
status choice of the people of Puerto Rico at
least two years before the transition period
expires.
Once the Implementation Plan is
approved by Congress through expedited
procedures, it is submitted to the voters of
Puerto Rico for ratification. If the plan is
approved, the final status is implemented by
Presidential proclamation, If implementation is
defeated, the President submits recommendations
to Congress after consultations with the leaders
of Puerto Rico.
No new Federal Funds are
Required by Status Process
Funding for the referenda and
voter education is provided through cover-over of
existing federal excise taxes on foreign rum
which go to the Puerto Rico treasury. The
necessary amounts for conducting the referenda
and voter education are identified by the
President and made available to Puerto Rico. The
Government of Puerto Rico then makes grants in
the amounts and purposes identified to the State
Elections Commission of Puerto Rico.
