Establishment of the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status

Democracy & Governance Federal Workforce

In simple terms

This executive order creates a presidential task force to study Puerto Rico's political status options and facilitate a self-determination process for Puerto Ricans. It mandates the task force to report to the President by May 1, 2001, and annually thereafter on progress toward resolving Puerto Rico's ultimate political status.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 82889

Record & deadlines

Dec 23, 2000Signed
Signed by the President
Dec 29, 2000FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 65 FR 82889
Federal Register PDF
May 1, 2001
Task Force initial report to President

Key directives

Establish Task Force co-chaired by Attorney General designee and Interagency Group Co-Chair
Provide advice to President and Congress on Puerto Rico status proposals
Assist Executive Office of the President in transferring funding to Puerto Rico Elections Commission for public education and choice
Report to President by May 1, 2001
Report annually thereafter on progress

Who is ordered

Attorney General · Department of Justice

What to expect

Immediate

Task Force establishment with Cabinet designees and Interagency Group Co-Chairs

Near term (90d)

Initial report due to President by May 1, 2001

Long term

Annual reporting requirement on status determination progress
Potential status referendum process and implementation if option chosen

Risks & tensions

No enforcement mechanism or funding authorization specified beyond assisting existing Public Law 106-346 obligations
Policy explicitly states 'without preference among the options' which may limit concrete recommendations
Vague on what constitutes 'not incompatible with the Constitution' — creates interpretive latitude
Annual reporting requirement lacks termination date, creating indefinite bureaucratic commitment