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EO 13183Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 13183

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

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

Impact dates

  1. 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

Timeline

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
Executive Order 13183: Establishment of the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status · Executive Orders