CS/HM 147 Summary

• Urges Congress to incorporate Puerto Rico into the United States and apply all federal laws and policies on the same basis as the states without discrimination or inequality.

• Argues that Puerto Rico has de facto been incorporated into the United States through over 100 years of assimilation, including the granting of U.S. citizenship in 1917, congressional approval of Puerto Rico's constitution in 1952, and integration of its economy and legal system.

• Notes that U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico currently receive unequal treatment under certain federal laws, such as lower Supplemental Security Income benefits from Social Security compared to citizens in the states.

• Cites the need for equal federal disaster response treatment following the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria as a compelling reason for incorporation.

• Requires copies of the memorial to be sent to the President, Congress leadership, and all members of the Florida delegation to Congress.