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COMMONWEALTH DEFINITION SUBMITTED IN H.R. 856 UNITED STAES-PUERTO RICO STATUS ACT
(A) The new Commonwealth of Puerto Rico would be joined in a union with the United States that would be permanent ad the relationship could only be altered mutual consent. Under a compact, the Commonwealth would be an autonomous body politic with its own character and culture, not incorporated into the United States, and sovereign over matters governed by the Constitution of Puerto Rico, consistent with the Constitution of the United States.
(B) The United States citizenship of persons born in Puerto Pico would he guaranteed and secured as provided by the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and equal to that of citizens born in the several states. The individual rights, privileges, immunities provided for the Constitution of the States would apply to residents of Puerto Rico. Residents of Puerto Rico would be entitled to receive benefits under Federal social programs equally with residents of several States contingent on equitable contributions Puerto Pico as provided by law.
(C) To enable Puerto Pico to govern matters necessary to its economic, social and cultural development under its constitution, the Commonwealth would be authorized to submit proposals for the entry of Puerto Rico into international agreements or the exemption of Puerto Rico from specific Federal laws a provisions thereof to the United States. The President and the Congress, as appropriate, would consider whether such proposals would be consistent with the vital national interests of the United States on an expedited basis through special procedures to be provided by law. The Commonwealth would assume any expenses related to increased responsibilities resulting from the approval of these proposals.
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