Congressional Proposal Seeks To Cut Puerto Rico Loose — Reduce Federal Spending

A draft executive order advocating for Puerto Rico’s independence is circulating among lawmakers — raising questions about the future of the island’s relationship with the U.S. The document claims that transitioning Puerto Rico to an independent nation would save taxpayers over $617 billion.

At least two congressional offices are reviewing the proposal — and reports indicate that it has been shared with high-level officials — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Staffers from the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee have also been involved in discussions — given the committee’s role in overseeing U.S. territories.

The draft order lays out a plan to gradually phase out Puerto Rican birthright citizenship by the end of 2026. It also proposes creating an Executive Transition Commission to oversee the process and ensure the island’s economy can sustain itself as a sovereign nation.

According to estimates in the draft — the U.S. is projected to spend $1.37 trillion maintaining Puerto Rico as a territory over the next 50 years. The proposal suggests that instead of continuing that spending — Washington could provide Puerto Rico with $36 billion per year for two decades to support its transition to independence.

The White House has not publicly commented on the proposal — and President Donald Trump has not indicated whether he supports the measure. The draft appears to have been created by congressional staffers and independence advocates rather than administration officials.

Puerto Rico has held multiple non-binding referendums on its status — with the most recent vote showing 58% support for statehood and only 11% favoring independence. Despite that — some lawmakers argue that granting Puerto Rico full sovereignty would be a fiscally responsible move.

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