Experiences of Past Territories Can Assist Puerto Rico Status Deliberations

Puerto Rico's 3.3 million residents are sharply divided on whether they should retain the present Commonwealth arrangement, or petition Congress for statehood, independence, or an amended form of the current status. Resolution of the debate on Puerto Rico's political relationship with the federal government rests with its residents and Congress. In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed past territorial transitions in an effort to provide insight into many issues likely to be addressed by Puerto Rico and Congress.