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{{short description|Lower house of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico}}
{{short description|Lower house of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox legislature
{{Infobox legislature
| background_color = {{New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico/meta/color}}
| background_color = {{party color|New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico}}
| name = House of Representatives of Puerto Rico
| name = House of Representatives of Puerto Rico
| native_name = Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico
| native_name = Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico
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| coa_pic =
| coa_pic =
| legislature = [[31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]]
| legislature = [[31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]]
| session_room = CRPR.jpg
| session_room =
| house_type = Lower house
| house_type = Lower house
| body = Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico
| body = Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico
| leader1_type = [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker]]
| leader1_type = [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker]]
| leader1 = [[Tatito Hernandez]]
| leader1 = [[Tatito Hernández]] ([[Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)|PDP]])
| leader2_type = [[Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker pro tem]]
| election1 = January 2, 2021
| leader2_type = [[Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker pro tempore]]
| leader2 = José "Conny" Varela
| leader2 = [[Conny Varela]] ([[Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)|PDP]])
| leader3_type = [[Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Majority Leader]]
| election2 = January 2, 2021
| leader3_type = {{nowrap|[[Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Majority Leader]]}}
| leader3 = [[Ángel Matos García]]
| leader3 = [[Angel Matos García|Ángel Matos García]] ([[Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)|PDP]])
| election3 = January 2, 2021
| leader4_type = [[Assistant party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Majority Whip]]
| leader4_type = [[Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Minority Leader]]
| leader4 = [[Roberto Ruíz de Porras]]
| leader5_type = [[Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Minority Leaders]]
| leader4 = [[Carlos Johnny Méndez|Johnny Méndez]] ([[New Progressive Party (Puerto Rico)|NPP]])
| election4 = January 2, 2021
| leader5 = [[Carlos Johnny Mendez]] [[Denis Márquez Lebrón]] [[Mariana Nogales Molinelli]] Lisie J. Burgos Ortiz
| leader6_type = [[Assistant party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Minority Whip]]
| leader6 = [[Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló]] José Bernardo Márquez
| members = 51
| members = 51
| voting_system1 = [[First-past-the-post]] for 40 [[Puerto Rico representative districts|electoral districts]] seats and [[Single non-transferable vote]] for 11 [[at-large]] seats
| voting_system1 = [[First-past-the-post]] for 40 [[Puerto Rico representative districts|electoral districts]] seats and [[Single non-transferable vote]] for 11 [[at-large]] seats
| last_election1 = [[2020 Puerto Rico House of Representatives election|November 3, 2020]]
| last_election1 = [[2020 Puerto Rico House of Representatives election|3 November 2020]]
| next_election1 = November 5, 2024
| next_election1 = [[2024 Puerto Rico House of Representatives election|5 November 2024]]
| structure1 = Trigésima primera Camara Representantes de Puerto Rico.svg
| structure1 = 31ª Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico (actualizado al 4 de mayo).svg
| structure1_res = 250px
| structure1_res = 250px
| political_groups1 = {{Color box|#FE0700|border=darkgray}} [[Partido Popular Democrático|PPD]] (26)<br />{{Color box|#000090|border=darkgray}} [[Partido Nuevo Progresista|PNP]] (21)<br /> {{Color box|#DFA231|border=darkgray}} [[Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana|MVC]] (2)<br />{{Color box|#008002|border=darkgray}} [[Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño|PIP]] (1)<br />{{Color box|#02B7EB|border=darkgray}} [[Proyecto Dignidad|PD]] (1)
| political_groups1 = {{legend|#FE0700|[[Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)|PPD]] (24)}} {{legend|#000090|[[Partido Nuevo Progresista|PNP]] (21)}} {{legend|#CFB53B|[[Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana|MVC]] (2)}} {{legend|#008000|[[Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño|PIP]] (1)}} {{legend|#02B7EB|[[Proyecto Dignidad|PD]] (1)}} {{legend|#808080|[[Independent politician|Ind.]] (1)}} {{legend|#FFFFFF|[[Vacant]] (1)}}


| meeting_place = [[Capitol of Puerto Rico]], [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]]
| meeting_place = [[Capitol of Puerto Rico]], [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]]
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The '''House of Representatives of Puerto Rico''' ({{lang-es| Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico}}) is the [[lower house]] of the [[Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico]], the [[bicameral]] [[state legislature (United States)|territorial legislature]] of [[Puerto Rico]]. The House, together with [[Senate of Puerto Rico|the Senate]], control the [[legislative branch of the government of Puerto Rico]].
The '''House of Representatives of Puerto Rico''' ({{lang-es| Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico}}) is the [[lower house]] of the [[Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico]], the [[bicameral]] [[state legislature (United States)|territorial legislature]] of [[Puerto Rico]]. The House, together with [[Senate of Puerto Rico|the Senate]], control the [[legislative branch of the government of Puerto Rico]].


The structure and responsibilities of the House are defined in [[Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico]], which vests all legislative power in the Legislative Assembly.<ref name="article-3-section-1-constitution">{{cite constitution |article=III |section=1 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date={{date|1952-07-25|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-10|mdy}} }}</ref> Every [[bill (law)|bill]] must be passed by the Senate and by the House, and signed by [[Governor of Puerto Rico|the governor]] in order to become law.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=19 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date={{date|1952-07-25|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-10|mdy}} }}</ref>
The structure and responsibilities of the House are defined in [[Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico]], which vests all legislative power in the Legislative Assembly.<ref name="article-3-section-1-constitution">{{cite constitution |article=III |section=1 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date=25 July 1952 |access-date=10 August 2013 }}</ref> Every [[bill (law)|bill]] must be passed by the Senate and by the House, and signed by [[Governor of Puerto Rico|the governor]] in order to become law.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=19 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date=25 July 1952 |access-date=10 August 2013 }}</ref>


The House has exclusive power to initiate [[impeachment]]s and bring an [[indictment]].<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=21 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date={{date|1952-07-25|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-10|mdy}} }}</ref> The constitution also establishes that the appointment of the [[Secretary of State of Puerto Rico|Secretary of State]] and the [[Comptroller of Puerto Rico|Comptroller]] require the [[advice and consent]] of the House, with all other appointments confirmed by the Senate alone.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=IV |section=5 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_IV_THE_EXECUTIVE |date={{date|1952-07-25|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-10|mdy}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=22 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date={{date|1952-07-25|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-10|mdy}} }}</ref> Financially, all bills for [[Budget of the Government of Puerto Rico|raising revenue]] must originate in the House.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=17 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date={{date|1952-07-25|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-11|mdy}} }}</ref>
The House has exclusive power to initiate [[Impeachment in the United States|impeachment]]s and bring an [[indictment]].<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=21 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date=25 July 1952 |access-date=10 August 2013 }}</ref> The constitution also establishes that the appointment of the [[Secretary of State of Puerto Rico|Secretary of State]] and the [[Comptroller of Puerto Rico|Comptroller]] require the [[advice and consent]] of the House, with all other appointments confirmed by the Senate alone.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=IV |section=5 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_IV_THE_EXECUTIVE |date=25 July 1952 |access-date=10 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=22 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date=25 July 1952 |access-date=10 August 2013 }}</ref> Financially, all bills for [[Budget of the Government of Puerto Rico|raising revenue]] must originate in the House.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=17 |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date=25 July 1952 |access-date=11 August 2013 }}</ref>


Structurally, the House is normally composed of 51 members. Forty are elected from [[Puerto Rico Representative districts|single-member districts]] across the commonwealth (with one representative per district), while 11 are elected [[at-large]].{{efn|name=increased-house|The House can increase its number of representatives when in a general election more than two-thirds of the members of the House are elected from one political party or from a single ticket.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=7, |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date={{date|1952-07-25|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-06|mdy}} }}</ref>}}
Structurally, the House is normally composed of 51 members. Forty are elected from [[Puerto Rico Representative districts|single-member districts]] across the commonwealth (with one representative per district), elected through Single-member [[Plurality voting|Plurality]] while 11 are elected [[at-large]] through [[Single non-transferable voting]].{{efn|name=increased-house|The House can increase its number of representatives when in a general election more than two-thirds of the members of the House are elected from one political party or from a single ticket.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=III |section=7, |country=Puerto Rico |url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Puerto_Rico#ARTICLE_III_THE_LEGISLATURE |date=25 July 1952 |access-date=6 August 2013 }}</ref>}}


The House has been meeting since 1900, after the enactment of the [[Foraker Act]] established the body formally.<ref>{{USPL|56|191}}</ref>
The House has been meeting since 1900, after the enactment of the [[Foraker Act]] established the body formally.<ref>{{USPL|56|191}}</ref>


The House of Representatives, along with its members and staff, is housed in the western half of the [[Capitol of Puerto Rico]], namely in the Ernesto Ramos Antonini House Annex Building, the Antonio R. Barceló Building, and the Luis A. Ferré Building.
The House of Representatives, along with its members and staff, is housed in the western half of the [[Capitol of Puerto Rico]], namely in the Ernesto Ramos Antonini House Annex Building, the Antonio R. Barceló Building, and the Luis A. Ferré Building.
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As a result of the 1980 elections, the New Progressive Party had won 26 seats and the Popular Democratic Party 25, but the latter challenged the results of the 35th Representative District, creating a tie with each party holding 25 seats, pending the final results of that district.<ref>''PPD'' v. ''Barreto Pérez'', 119 DPR 199 (1981).</ref> Since the new House in 1981 was tied, it was unable to elect a Speaker, as required, by an absolute majority. To complicate matters, [[Ramón Muñiz]] (PPD-32nd District) died on the House floor in January 1981 and Representative-elect [[Fernando Tonos Florenzán]]'s election was invalidated due to him not having the Constitutionally required 25 years to serve in the House,<ref>''Nogueras'' v. ''Tonos Florenzán'', 110 DPR 356 (1980) and ''Tonos Florenzán'' v. ''Bernazard'', 111 DPR 546 (1981).</ref> leaving the House with 25 New Progressives and 23 Popular Democrats. House Secretary [[Cristino Bernazard]], who normally would have presided over the House only until it elected its new Speaker in its inaugural session, became the first unelected Acting Speaker of the House. During Bernazard's incumbency, he appointed co-chairs to the House standing committees and required that all House decisions and legislation be approved by consensus. After some political wrangling, in what became known as the Viera-Colberg Pact, the House elected Viera Martínez once again as Speaker for the remainder of 1981 and maverick Popular Democratic Rep. Severo Colberg Ramírez as Speaker from 1982 until 1984. In late 1981, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Popular Democratic candidate in the 35th District, and with the Popular Democrats finally filling in the two vacancies they had, that party gained control of the House, with a majority of 26.
As a result of the 1980 elections, the New Progressive Party had won 26 seats and the Popular Democratic Party 25, but the latter challenged the results of the 35th Representative District, creating a tie with each party holding 25 seats, pending the final results of that district.<ref>''PPD'' v. ''Barreto Pérez'', 119 DPR 199 (1981).</ref> Since the new House in 1981 was tied, it was unable to elect a Speaker, as required, by an absolute majority. To complicate matters, [[Ramón Muñiz]] (PPD-32nd District) died on the House floor in January 1981 and Representative-elect [[Fernando Tonos Florenzán]]'s election was invalidated due to him not having the Constitutionally required 25 years to serve in the House,<ref>''Nogueras'' v. ''Tonos Florenzán'', 110 DPR 356 (1980) and ''Tonos Florenzán'' v. ''Bernazard'', 111 DPR 546 (1981).</ref> leaving the House with 25 New Progressives and 23 Popular Democrats. House Secretary [[Cristino Bernazard]], who normally would have presided over the House only until it elected its new Speaker in its inaugural session, became the first unelected Acting Speaker of the House. During Bernazard's incumbency, he appointed co-chairs to the House standing committees and required that all House decisions and legislation be approved by consensus. After some political wrangling, in what became known as the Viera-Colberg Pact, the House elected Viera Martínez once again as Speaker for the remainder of 1981 and maverick Popular Democratic Rep. Severo Colberg Ramírez as Speaker from 1982 until 1984. In late 1981, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Popular Democratic candidate in the 35th District, and with the Popular Democrats finally filling in the two vacancies they had, that party gained control of the House, with a majority of 26.


Even though the Popular Democratic Party retained the House in the 1984 general elections, Colberg was not re-elected Speaker, and instead [[Jose Ronaldo Jarabo|José Ronaldo "Rony" Jarabo]] served as Speaker from 1985 to 1992. Jarabo was defeated in a primary in 1992, and as the New Progressive Party won the 1992 general elections, he was succeeded by the first woman Speaker, Zaida Hernandez Torres, who served until 1996, when she left the House to run for Mayor of San Juan.
Even though the Popular Democratic Party retained the House in the 1984 general elections, Colberg decided to comply with a party commitment and endorse a new Speaker, [[Jose Ronaldo Jarabo|José Ronaldo "Rony" Jarabo]] who served as Speaker from 1985 to 1992. Jarabo was defeated in a primary in 1992, and as the New Progressive Party won the 1992 general elections, he was succeeded by the first woman Speaker, Zaida Hernandez Torres, who served until 1996, when she left the House to run for Mayor of San Juan.


Hernandez's [[Speaker pro Tempore]], Edison Misla Aldarondo, became Speaker in 1997. After he left office in 2000, he was convicted of corruption charges in federal and state courts. He was succeeded in office by [[Carlos Vizcarrondo]] during the 2001–2004 term.
Hernandez's [[Speaker pro Tempore]], Edison Misla Aldarondo, became Speaker in 1997. After he left office in 2000, he was convicted of corruption charges in federal and state courts. He was succeeded in office by [[Carlos Vizcarrondo]] during the 2001–2004 term.
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In 2005, as a Popular Democratic governor took office, the New Progressive Party controlled the Senate and the House, and [[José Aponte Hernández]], a loyalist of former Governor [[Pedro Rosselló]], was elected as Speaker of the House. In addition to the tension with the executive branch, Aponte's term was tinged with greater-than-average tension with the Senate, in which his support for Rossello's bid to oust Senate President [[Kenneth McClintock]], whom he called a "traitor" to his party, took him to lead over 20 New Progressive representatives to converge on the Senate floor in opposition to McClintock's permanence as Senate President, considered by many the all-time historical low-point in Senate–House relations.
In 2005, as a Popular Democratic governor took office, the New Progressive Party controlled the Senate and the House, and [[José Aponte Hernández]], a loyalist of former Governor [[Pedro Rosselló]], was elected as Speaker of the House. In addition to the tension with the executive branch, Aponte's term was tinged with greater-than-average tension with the Senate, in which his support for Rossello's bid to oust Senate President [[Kenneth McClintock]], whom he called a "traitor" to his party, took him to lead over 20 New Progressive representatives to converge on the Senate floor in opposition to McClintock's permanence as Senate President, considered by many the all-time historical low-point in Senate–House relations.


Aponte was defeated for re-election as Speaker in the House caucus held after the [[Puerto Rican general election, 2008|2008 general elections]], and [[Jennifer González|Jenniffer A. González Colón]] became the Speaker, taking office on January 12, 2009.
Aponte was defeated for re-election as Speaker in the House caucus held after the [[Puerto Rican general election, 2008|2008 general elections]], and [[Jenniffer González|Jenniffer A. González Colón]] became the Speaker, taking office on 12 January 2009.


The current Speaker, as of 2021, is [[Rafael Hernández Montañez]].
The current Speaker, as of 2021, is [[Rafael Hernández Montañez]].


== Functions ==
== Functions ==
The House of Representatives, along with the [[Senate of Puerto Rico]], are in charge of the [[legislative power]] of the [[Government of Puerto Rico]].<ref>[http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm Constitución de Puerto Rico] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114003340/http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm |date=2011-11-14 }} on LexJuris</ref>
The House of Representatives, along with the [[Senate of Puerto Rico]], are in charge of the [[legislative power]] of the [[Government of Puerto Rico]].<ref>[http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm Constitución de Puerto Rico] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114003340/http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm |date=14 November 2011 }} on LexJuris</ref>


The House has exclusive power to initiate [[impeachment]] proceedings and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the total number of members of which it is composed, to bring an [[indictment]]. The Constitution also establishes that all bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House. The appointment of the [[Secretary of State of Puerto Rico|Secretary of State]] shall in addition require the advice and consent of the House.
The House has exclusive power to initiate [[Impeachment in the United States|impeachment]] proceedings and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the total number of members of which it is composed, to bring an [[indictment]]. The Constitution also establishes that all bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House. The appointment of the [[Secretary of State of Puerto Rico|Secretary of State]] shall in addition require the advice and consent of the House.


== Membership ==
== Membership ==


=== Qualifications ===
=== Qualifications ===
Article III of the [[Constitution of Puerto Rico]] states that no person can be a member of the House of Representatives unless he or she:<ref>[http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm Constitution of Puerto Rico in LexJuris.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114003340/http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm |date=2011-11-14 }}</ref>
Article III of the [[Constitution of Puerto Rico]] states that no person can be a member of the House of Representatives unless the candidate:<ref>[http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm Constitution of Puerto Rico in LexJuris.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114003340/http://www.lexjuris.com/lexprcont.htm |date=14 November 2011 }}</ref>
* is capable of reading and writing in either Spanish or English;
* is capable of reading and writing in either Spanish or English;
* is a citizen of the United States;
* is a citizen of the United States;
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{{further|Puerto Rico representative districts|Elections in Puerto Rico}}
{{further|Puerto Rico representative districts|Elections in Puerto Rico}}
[[File:Structure-of-the-house-of-representatives-of-puerto-rico.svg|thumb|300px|Structure of the House of Representatives [[Elections in Puerto Rico|for the purpose of elections]]. Puerto Rico is divided into [[Puerto Rico representative districts|forty (40) districts]] with one representative per district. An additional eleven (11) representatives are elected [[at-large]]. Both groups serve alongside each other with the same powers and rights.]]
[[File:Structure-of-the-house-of-representatives-of-puerto-rico.svg|thumb|300px|Structure of the House of Representatives [[Elections in Puerto Rico|for the purpose of elections]]. Puerto Rico is divided into [[Puerto Rico representative districts|forty (40) districts]] with one representative per district. An additional eleven (11) representatives are elected [[at-large]]. Both groups serve alongside each other with the same powers and rights.]]
Elections to the House are held every four years on the [[election day|Tuesday after the first Monday of November]], along with the elections for [[Governor of Puerto Rico|governor]], [[Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico|resident commissioner]], the [[Senate of Puerto Rico|Senate]], the [[Mayors of Puerto Rico|mayors]], and the municipal assemblies. [[Puerto Rican general election, 2012|The last election]] was held on November 6, 2012 where the members of the [[29th House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]] were elected. [[Puerto Rican general election, 2016|The next election]] is scheduled for November 8, 2016 where the members of the [[30th House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]] will be elected. Members of the House are elected for a four-years term.
Elections to the House are held every four years on the [[election day|Tuesday after the first Monday of November]], along with the elections for [[Governor of Puerto Rico|governor]], [[Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico|resident commissioner]], the [[Senate of Puerto Rico|Senate]], the [[Mayors of Puerto Rico|mayors]], and the municipal assemblies. [[2020 Puerto Rican general election|The last election]] was held on 3 November 2020 where the members of the [[31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]] [[29th House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]] were elected. [[Puerto Rican general election, 2016|The next election]] is scheduled for 5 November 2024 where the members of the [[30th House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]] will be elected. Members of the House are elected for a four-years term.


Only [[American citizen]]s ([[Political status of Puerto Rico|including Puerto Ricans]]) that meet <u>all</u> the following requirements may vote for representatives:
Only [[American citizen]]s ([[Political status of Puerto Rico|including Puerto Ricans]]) that meet <u>all</u> the following requirements may vote for representatives:
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Ballots are redacted in both [[English language|English]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]] regardless of whether English is an official language or not.{{efn|English has been removed as an official language several times throughout Puerto Rico's modern history, but ballots must be redacted in English too regardless.}}
Ballots are redacted in both [[English language|English]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]] regardless of whether English is an official language or not.{{efn|English has been removed as an official language several times throughout Puerto Rico's modern history, but ballots must be redacted in English too regardless.}}


To elect the members of the House, Puerto Rico is divided into [[Puerto Rico representative districts|forty (40) representative districts]] that do not follow a particular pattern; they are strictly based on a similar number of inhabitants. These districts are in turn divided into one or more [[electoral precinct|precincts]]: an electoral division which, in turn, is constituted by colleges.<ref>[http://www.ramajudicial.pr/leyes/constitucion/articulo3-3.htm Distritos senatoriales y representativos; senadores y representantes por acumulación] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309124503/http://www.ramajudicial.pr/leyes/constitucion/articulo3-3.htm |date=2014-03-09 }} on RamaJudicial.PR</ref> For each district, citizens may vote only for one candidate from the district in which they declared residence by [[first-past-the-post voting|first-past-the-post]]. District representatives are expected to give priority to matters related to the district they represent but are not required to do so by law.
To elect the members of the House, Puerto Rico is divided into [[Puerto Rico representative districts|forty (40) representative districts]] that do not follow a particular pattern; they are strictly based on a similar number of inhabitants. These districts are in turn divided into one or more [[electoral precinct|precincts]]: an electoral division which, in turn, is constituted by colleges.<ref>[http://www.ramajudicial.pr/leyes/constitucion/articulo3-3.htm Distritos senatoriales y representativos; senadores y representantes por acumulación] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309124503/http://www.ramajudicial.pr/leyes/constitucion/articulo3-3.htm |date=9 March 2014 }} on RamaJudicial.PR</ref> For each district, citizens may vote only for one candidate from the district in which they declared residence by [[first-past-the-post voting|first-past-the-post]]. District representatives are expected to give priority to matters related to the district they represent but are not required to do so by law.


In addition, citizens are allowed to vote for one candidate [[at-large]] of their preference by [[single non-transferable vote]]. The eleven at-large candidates with the majority of votes serve as representatives at-large alongside the district representatives with the same powers and rights. Representatives at-large are expected to serve any individual or group but are not required to do so by law; they also serve as a mechanism for citizens who do not wish to channel their affairs through their district representative for whatever reason.
In addition, citizens are allowed to vote for one candidate [[at-large]] of their preference by [[single non-transferable vote]]. The eleven at-large candidates with the majority of votes serve as representatives at-large alongside the district representatives with the same powers and rights. Representatives at-large are expected to serve any individual or group but are not required to do so by law; they also serve as a mechanism for citizens who do not wish to channel their affairs through their district representative for whatever reason.
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=== Salary and benefits ===
=== Salary and benefits ===
The annual [[salary]] for full-time work of each representative is $73,775 [[United States dollar|USD]] annually, except for the [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker]] which receives $110,663, and the [[Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker pro tempore]], the [[Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Majority and Minority Leaders]], the [[Assistant party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Majority and Minority Whips]], and the presidents of the [[House of Representatives of Puerto Rico Commission on Government|Commission on Government]] and the [[House of Representatives of Puerto Rico Commission on Treasury|Commission on Treasury]] which receive $84,841 each.<ref name="act-no-24-of-2013">{{cite act |number=24 |date={{date|2013-05-29|mdy}} |access-date={{date|2013-08-10|mdy}} |url=http://www.oslpr.org/2013-2016/leyes/pdf/ley-24-29-May-2013.pdf |language=es }}</ref>
The annual [[salary]] for full-time work of each representative is $73,775 [[United States dollar|USD]] annually, except for the [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker]] which receives $110,663, and the [[Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker pro tempore]], the [[Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Majority and Minority Leaders]], the [[Assistant party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Majority and Minority Whips]], and the presidents of the [[House of Representatives of Puerto Rico Commission on Government|Commission on Government]] and the [[House of Representatives of Puerto Rico Commission on Treasury|Commission on Treasury]] which receive $84,841 each.<ref name="act-no-24-of-2013">{{cite act |number=24 |date=29 May 2013 |access-date=10 August 2013 |url=http://www.oslpr.org/2013-2016/leyes/pdf/ley-24-29-May-2013.pdf |language=es }}</ref>


Representatives are allowed to generate additional income from outside their legislative employment subject to restrictions, and only the representatives which do not receive an annual salary are entitled to additional benefits such as [[per diem]] or [[car allowance]]. Costs associated to traveling outside of Puerto Rico is reimbursed.<ref name="act-no-24-of-2013" /> Cost-of-living adjustments have been frozen since 2005.{{Citation needed|date=August 2013}} All representatives qualify for the same retirement and health benefits as of all other employees of the government of Puerto Rico.
Representatives are allowed to generate additional income from outside their legislative employment subject to restrictions, and only the representatives which do not receive an annual salary are entitled to additional benefits such as [[per diem]] or [[car allowance]]. Costs associated to traveling outside of Puerto Rico is reimbursed.<ref name="act-no-24-of-2013" /> Cost-of-living adjustments have been frozen since 2005.{{Citation needed|date=August 2013}} All representatives qualify for the same retirement and health benefits as of all other employees of the government of Puerto Rico.
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The [[Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker ''pro tempore'']] is the second-highest-ranking officer of the House of Representatives and substitutes the [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker of the House]] in his absence. Its counterpart in the [[Senate of Puerto Rico|Senate]] is the [[President pro tempore of the Senate of Puerto Rico|President pro tempore]].
The [[Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker ''pro tempore'']] is the second-highest-ranking officer of the House of Representatives and substitutes the [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico|Speaker of the House]] in his absence. Its counterpart in the [[Senate of Puerto Rico|Senate]] is the [[President pro tempore of the Senate of Puerto Rico|President pro tempore]].


The current Speaker ''pro tempore'' is [[José Torres Zamora]], representative at-large from the [[New Progressive Party (Puerto Rico)|New Progressive Party]].
The current Speaker ''pro tempore'' is [[José "Conny" Varela]], representative at-large from the [[Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)|PPD]].


=== Party leaders ===
=== Party leaders ===
{{main|Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico}}
{{main|Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico}}
Each party elects floor leaders denominated "Majority leader" or "Minority leader", accordingly, as well as a "Majority Whip" or a "Minority Whip". Floor leaders act as the party chief spokespeople. The current leaders are Majority Leader [[Carlos J. Méndez Núñez|Johnny Méndez]], Majority Whip [[Angel Pérez Otero]], and interim Minority Leader [[Luis Raúl Torres Cruz]].
Each party elects floor leaders denominated "Majority leader" or "Minority leader", accordingly, as well as a "Majority Whip" or a "Minority Whip". Floor leaders act as the party chief spokespeople. The current leaders are Majority Leader [[Ángel Matos García]], Majority Whip [[Roberto Rivera Ruiz de Porras]], and Minority Leaders are [[Carlos "Johnny" Méndez]] (PNP), [[Mariana Nogales Molinelli]] (MVC), [[Denis Márquez Lebrón]] (PIP), and [[Lisie Burgos Muñiz]] (PD).


=== Non-member officers ===
=== Non-member officers ===
Line 149: Line 150:


== Current composition ==
== Current composition ==
{{main|30th House of Representatives of Puerto Rico}}
{{main|31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico}}
The current session is the [[30th House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]], the [[lower house]] of the [[18th Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico]], which will meet from January 2, 2017, to January 1, 2021. Members were elected in the [[Puerto Rican general election, 2016|general elections of 2016]] with a [[majority|simple majority]] coming from the [[New Progressive Party (Puerto Rico)|New Progressive Party]] (PNP).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tucamarapr.org/dnncamara/web/Inicio.aspx#rep|title=COMPOSICION DE LA CAMARA}}</ref> Wilson Román López was appointed to fill a vacancy due to the resignation of [[José Luis Rivera Guerra]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tucamarapr.org/dnncamara/web/ActividadLegislativa/Noticias/TabId/361/ArtMID/1432/ArticleID/1408/Juramenta-nuevo-representante-por-el-Distrito-17.aspx|title=Juramenta nuevo representante por el Distrito 17|access-date=13 January 2019}}</ref>
The current session is the [[31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico]], the [[lower house]] of the [[19th Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico]], which will meet from 2 January 2021, to 1 January 2025. Members were elected in the [[Puerto Rican general election, 2020|general elections of 2020]] with a [[majority|simple majority]] coming from the [[Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)]] (PPD).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tucamarapr.org/dnncamara/web/Inicio.aspx#rep|title=COMPOSICION DE LA CAMARA}}</ref>

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* District 1: [[Eddie Charbonier]]
* District 1: [[Eddie Charbonier]]
Line 157: Line 159:
* District 4: [[Víctor Parés]]
* District 4: [[Víctor Parés]]
* District 5: [[Jorge Navarro Suárez]]
* District 5: [[Jorge Navarro Suárez]]
* District 6: [[Tony Soto (politician)|Antonio "Tony" Soto]]
* District 6: [[Ángel Morey Noble]]
* District 7: [[Luis Pérez Ortíz]]
* District 7: [[Luis Pérez Ortíz]]
* District 8: [[Yashira Lebrón Rodríguez]]
* District 8: [[Yashira Lebrón Rodríguez]]
* District 9: [[Nelson del Valle]]
* District 9: [[Er Yazzer Morales Díaz]]
* District 10: [[Pedro Julio Santiago]]
* District 10: [[Deborah Soto Arroyo]]
* District 11: [[Rafael Hernández Montañez|Rafael "Tatito" Hernández]]
* District 11: [[Rafael Hernández Montañez|Rafael "Tatito" Hernández]]
* District 12: [[Guillermo (Guillo) Miranda Rivera]]
* District 12: [[Edgardo Feliciano Sánchez]]
* District 13: [[Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló]]
* District 13: [[Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló]]
* District 14: [[José O. González Mercado]]
* District 14: [[José O. González Mercado]]
* District 15: [[Joel I. Franqui Atiles]]
* District 15: [[Joel I. Franqui Atiles]]
* District 16: [[Félix G. Lassalle Toro]]
* District 16: [[Eladio J. Cardona Quiles]]
* District 17: [[Wilson Román López]]
* District 17: [[Wilson Román López]]
* District 18: [[José (Che) Pérez Cordero]]
* District 18: [[Jessie Cortés Ramos]]
* District 19: [[Maricarmen Mas Rodríguez]]
* District 19: [[Jocelyne Rodríguez Negrón]]
* District 20: [[Carlos Bianchi Angleró]]
* District 20: [[Kebin Maldonado Martínez]]
* District 21: [[Lydia Méndez Silva]]
* District 21: [[Lydia Méndez Silva]]
* District 22: [[Michael A. Quiñones Irizarry]]
* District 22: [[Jorge Alfredo Rivera Segarra]]
* District 23: [[Víctor M. Torres]]
* District 23: [[José H. Rivera Madera]]
* District 24: [[José A. Banchs Alemán]]
* District 24: [[Ángel A. Fourquet Cordero]]
* District 25: [[Jacqueline Rodríguez Hernández]]
* District 25: [[Domingo J. Torres García]]
* District 26: [[Urayoán Hernández]]
* District 26: [[Orlando Aponte Rosario]]
* District 27: [[Ramón L. Rodríguez Ruiz]]
* District 27: [[Estrella Martínez Soto]]
* District 28: [[Rafael Rivera Ortega|Rafael "June" Rivera]]
* District 28: [[Juan J. Santiago Nieves]]
* District 29: [[José Aníbal Díaz]]
* District 29: [[Gretchen Hau]]
* District 30: [[Luis Ortíz Lugo|Luis "Narmito" Ortíz]]
* District 30: [[Luis Ortíz Lugo|Luis «Narmito» Ortiz Lugo]]
* District 31: [[Jesús Santa Rodríguez]]
* District 31: [[Jesús Santa Rodríguez]]
* District 32: [[José "Conny" Varela]]
* District 32: [[Conny Varela|José Manuel «Conny» Varela Fernández]]
* District 33: [[Angel Peña Ramírez|Ángel Peña]]
* District 33: [[Angel Peña Ramírez|Ángel Peña Ramírez]]
* District 34: [[Ramón Luis Cruz]]
* District 34: [[Ramón Luis Cruz|Ramón Luis Cruz Burgos]]
* District 35: [[Reynaldo Vargas]]
* District 35: [[Sol Y. Higgins Cuadrado]]
* District 36: [[Carlos J. Méndez Nuñez|Carlos "Johnny" Méndez]]
* District 36: [[Carlos J. Méndez Nuñez|Carlos "Johnny" Méndez]]
* District 37: [[Ángel Bulerín]]
* District 37: [[Ángel Bulerín]]
* District 38: [[Javier Aponte Dalmau]]
* District 38: [[Javier Aponte Dalmau]]
* District 39: [[Roberto Rivera Ruíz]]
* District 39: [[Roberto Rivera Ruiz de Porras|Roberto Rivera Ruiz]]
* District 40: [[Angel Matos García]]
* District 40: [[Angel Matos García]]
* [[At-large]]: [[Brenda López de Arrarás]]
* [[At-large]]: [[Héctor Ferrer Santiago|Héctor E. Ferrer Santiago]]
⚫
* At-large: [[José Torres Zamora]]
⚫
* At-large: [[Néstor A. Alonso Vega]]
* At-large: [[Jesús Manuel Ortiz González]]
* At-large: [[Jesús Manuel Ortiz González]]
* At-large: [[Denis Márquez]]
* At-large: [[José Aponte Hernández]]
* At-large: [[José Aponte Hernández]]
* At-large: [[José Kikito Meléndez|José "Kikito" Meléndez]]
* At-large: [[José Pichy Torres Zamora]]
* At-large: [[Luis Vega Ramos]]
* At-large: [[José Kikito Meléndez|José "Quiquito" Meléndez]]
* At-large: [[Lourdes Ramos]]
* At-large: [[José Pérez Cordero|«Che» Pérez Cordero]]
* At-large: [[Manuel Natal Albelo]]
* At-large: [[María de Lourdes Ramos Rivera]]
* At-large: [[María Milagros Charbonier]]{{div col end}}
* At-large: [[José Bernardo Márquez]]
⚫
* At-large: [[Mariana Nogales Molinelli]]
⚫
* At-large: [[Denis Márquez Lebrón]]
* At-large: [[Lisie J. Burgos Muñiz]]{{div col end}}


== Other organizations ==
== Other organizations ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website}} {{in lang|es}}
* {{Facebook|camaraconpr/}}
* {{Facebook|camaraconpr}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130724232413/http://www.camaraderepresentantes.org/ Archived Puerto Rico House of Representatives]


{{Houses of Representatives of Puerto Rico}}
{{Houses of Representatives of Puerto Rico}}
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{{National lower houses}}
{{National lower houses}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Puerto Rico}}
[[Category:House of Representatives of Puerto Rico| ]]
[[Category:House of Representatives of Puerto Rico| ]]
[[Category:Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico|House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico|House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Territorial lower houses in the United States]]
[[Category:Territorial lower houses in the United States]]
[[Category:Puerto Rico-related lists|Legislatures]]
[[Category:Lists of political office-holders in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:1900 establishments in Puerto Rico]]

Latest revision as of 21:24, 3 May 2024

House of Representatives of Puerto Rico

Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico
31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico
Logo
Type
Type
Leadership
Tatito Hernández (PDP)
since January 2, 2021
Conny Varela (PDP)
since January 2, 2021
Ángel Matos García (PDP)
since January 2, 2021
Johnny Méndez (NPP)
since January 2, 2021
Structure
Seats51
Political groups
  PPD (24)
  PNP (21)
  MVC (2)
  PIP (1)
  PD (1)
  Ind. (1)
  Vacant (1)
Elections
First-past-the-post for 40 electoral districts seats and Single non-transferable vote for 11 at-large seats
Last election
3 November 2020
Next election
5 November 2024
Meeting place
Capitol of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Website
www.tucamarapr.org
Politics of Puerto Rico
Constitution and law
Executive
Legislative
Judicial
Elections
Municipalities
Federal relations
Political status

The House of Representatives of Puerto Rico (Spanish: Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico) is the lower house of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico, the bicameral territorial legislature of Puerto Rico. The House, together with the Senate, control the legislative branch of the government of Puerto Rico.

The structure and responsibilities of the House are defined in Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico, which vests all legislative power in the Legislative Assembly.[1] Every bill must be passed by the Senate and by the House, and signed by the governor in order to become law.[2]

The House has exclusive power to initiate impeachments and bring an indictment.[3] The constitution also establishes that the appointment of the Secretary of State and the Comptroller require the advice and consent of the House, with all other appointments confirmed by the Senate alone.[4][5] Financially, all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House.[6]

Structurally, the House is normally composed of 51 members. Forty are elected from single-member districts across the commonwealth (with one representative per district), elected through Single-member Plurality while 11 are elected at-large through Single non-transferable voting.[a]

The House has been meeting since 1900, after the enactment of the Foraker Act established the body formally.[8]

The House of Representatives, along with its members and staff, is housed in the western half of the Capitol of Puerto Rico, namely in the Ernesto Ramos Antonini House Annex Building, the Antonio R. Barceló Building, and the Luis A. Ferré Building.

History

[edit]

Created in 1900 as the House of Delegates under the Foraker Act, the lower body of the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly was the only elected body until the Senate was created in 1917 under the Jones-Shafroth Act, then creating a bicameral legislature.

The House of Delegates was controlled by the Republican Party from its creation in 1900 through 1904. In January 1905, the House switched to control by the Union Party, which would remain in power until 1924. A coalition of the Republican Party and Socialist Party of Puerto Rico controlled the House until 1944, save for a brief period from 1941 to 1943 of the Popular Democratic Party.

After the Popular Democratic Party's landslide victory in 1944, that party controlled the House until 1969, when the New Progressive Party won the House and the governorship, but not the Senate, creating Puerto Rico's first split government. Ángel Viera Martínez, a former prosecutor and freshman representative from San Juan, was elected to the first of three stints as Speaker.

In 1973, the Popular Democratic Party reacquired control of the House but was ousted as the majority party in the 1976 elections, won by the New Progressive Party. Viera Martínez was elected in 1977, to his second stint as Speaker.

As a result of the 1980 elections, the New Progressive Party had won 26 seats and the Popular Democratic Party 25, but the latter challenged the results of the 35th Representative District, creating a tie with each party holding 25 seats, pending the final results of that district.[9] Since the new House in 1981 was tied, it was unable to elect a Speaker, as required, by an absolute majority. To complicate matters, Ramón Muñiz (PPD-32nd District) died on the House floor in January 1981 and Representative-elect Fernando Tonos Florenzán's election was invalidated due to him not having the Constitutionally required 25 years to serve in the House,[10] leaving the House with 25 New Progressives and 23 Popular Democrats. House Secretary Cristino Bernazard, who normally would have presided over the House only until it elected its new Speaker in its inaugural session, became the first unelected Acting Speaker of the House. During Bernazard's incumbency, he appointed co-chairs to the House standing committees and required that all House decisions and legislation be approved by consensus. After some political wrangling, in what became known as the Viera-Colberg Pact, the House elected Viera Martínez once again as Speaker for the remainder of 1981 and maverick Popular Democratic Rep. Severo Colberg Ramírez as Speaker from 1982 until 1984. In late 1981, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Popular Democratic candidate in the 35th District, and with the Popular Democrats finally filling in the two vacancies they had, that party gained control of the House, with a majority of 26.

Even though the Popular Democratic Party retained the House in the 1984 general elections, Colberg decided to comply with a party commitment and endorse a new Speaker, José Ronaldo "Rony" Jarabo who served as Speaker from 1985 to 1992. Jarabo was defeated in a primary in 1992, and as the New Progressive Party won the 1992 general elections, he was succeeded by the first woman Speaker, Zaida Hernandez Torres, who served until 1996, when she left the House to run for Mayor of San Juan.

Hernandez's Speaker pro Tempore, Edison Misla Aldarondo, became Speaker in 1997. After he left office in 2000, he was convicted of corruption charges in federal and state courts. He was succeeded in office by Carlos Vizcarrondo during the 2001–2004 term.

In 2005, as a Popular Democratic governor took office, the New Progressive Party controlled the Senate and the House, and José Aponte Hernández, a loyalist of former Governor Pedro Rosselló, was elected as Speaker of the House. In addition to the tension with the executive branch, Aponte's term was tinged with greater-than-average tension with the Senate, in which his support for Rossello's bid to oust Senate President Kenneth McClintock, whom he called a "traitor" to his party, took him to lead over 20 New Progressive representatives to converge on the Senate floor in opposition to McClintock's permanence as Senate President, considered by many the all-time historical low-point in Senate–House relations.

Aponte was defeated for re-election as Speaker in the House caucus held after the 2008 general elections, and Jenniffer A. González Colón became the Speaker, taking office on 12 January 2009.

The current Speaker, as of 2021, is Rafael Hernández Montañez.

Functions

[edit]

The House of Representatives, along with the Senate of Puerto Rico, are in charge of the legislative power of the Government of Puerto Rico.[11]

The House has exclusive power to initiate impeachment proceedings and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the total number of members of which it is composed, to bring an indictment. The Constitution also establishes that all bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House. The appointment of the Secretary of State shall in addition require the advice and consent of the House.

Membership

[edit]

Qualifications

[edit]

Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico states that no person can be a member of the House of Representatives unless the candidate:[12]

  • is capable of reading and writing in either Spanish or English;
  • is a citizen of the United States;
  • is a citizen of Puerto Rico;
  • has resided in Puerto Rico for at least two years immediately prior to the date of his election or appointment; and,
  • is over twenty-five years of age.

Elections

[edit]
Further information: Puerto Rico representative districts and Elections in Puerto Rico
Structure of the House of Representatives for the purpose of elections. Puerto Rico is divided into forty (40) districts with one representative per district. An additional eleven (11) representatives are elected at-large. Both groups serve alongside each other with the same powers and rights.

Elections to the House are held every four years on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November, along with the elections for governor, resident commissioner, the Senate, the mayors, and the municipal assemblies. The last election was held on 3 November 2020 where the members of the 31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico House of Representatives of Puerto Rico were elected. The next election is scheduled for 5 November 2024 where the members of the 30th House of Representatives of Puerto Rico will be elected. Members of the House are elected for a four-years term.

Only American citizens (including Puerto Ricans) that meet all the following requirements may vote for representatives:

  • must legally reside in Puerto Rico,
  • must be at least 18 years old by the date of the election,
  • must have been qualified by the Puerto Rico State Commission on Elections before the election or on the very same day of the election after he presents himself to his nearest place of voting and shows proper documentation, and
  • must have not been declared mentally incapacitated by court.
Structure of representative districts in Puerto Rico.

Citizens cast their votes in colleges (Spanish: colegios) which are simply usually the nearest public school to where the voter declared as residence. Votes are required by law to be cast in secret, unless the citizen has a physical impairment that does not allow him to. Those citizens unable to travel to colleges due to medical impairments may vote at their place of residence (homes, elder homes, etc.) or wherever they are convalescing (hospitals, clinics, etc.). In both of these extraordinary cases, officials from the Puerto Rico State Commission on Elections will provide aid so that the citizens can cast their vote—either by using verbal or non-verbal communication—with members from the different political parties required to observe the process in order to ensure accuracy, fairness, transparency, order, and legitimacy.

Ballots are redacted in both English and Spanish regardless of whether English is an official language or not.[b]

To elect the members of the House, Puerto Rico is divided into forty (40) representative districts that do not follow a particular pattern; they are strictly based on a similar number of inhabitants. These districts are in turn divided into one or more precincts: an electoral division which, in turn, is constituted by colleges.[13] For each district, citizens may vote only for one candidate from the district in which they declared residence by first-past-the-post. District representatives are expected to give priority to matters related to the district they represent but are not required to do so by law.

In addition, citizens are allowed to vote for one candidate at-large of their preference by single non-transferable vote. The eleven at-large candidates with the majority of votes serve as representatives at-large alongside the district representatives with the same powers and rights. Representatives at-large are expected to serve any individual or group but are not required to do so by law; they also serve as a mechanism for citizens who do not wish to channel their affairs through their district representative for whatever reason.

Term

[edit]

Representatives serve terms of four years each. A member who has been elected, but not yet seated, is called a "representative-elect"; a member who has been appointed to a seat, but not yet seated, is called a "representative-designate". The Puerto Rico Constitution does not provide for term limits.

Salary and benefits

[edit]

The annual salary for full-time work of each representative is $73,775 USD annually, except for the Speaker which receives $110,663, and the Speaker pro tempore, the Majority and Minority Leaders, the Majority and Minority Whips, and the presidents of the Commission on Government and the Commission on Treasury which receive $84,841 each.[14]

Representatives are allowed to generate additional income from outside their legislative employment subject to restrictions, and only the representatives which do not receive an annual salary are entitled to additional benefits such as per diem or car allowance. Costs associated to traveling outside of Puerto Rico is reimbursed.[14] Cost-of-living adjustments have been frozen since 2005.[citation needed] All representatives qualify for the same retirement and health benefits as of all other employees of the government of Puerto Rico.

In addition, all representatives are provided with office space, secretarial services, advisors, support personnel, office supplies, and stationery. Hiring of personnel working directly for each representative is at the discretion of each representative.[14] Rather than providing these resources and services directly, representatives are instead assigned a budget from which they retrieve funds to cover such costs. Representatives that preside commissions are assigned larger budgets than those who do not, thus creating a difference between the budgets assigned to representatives from the party holding a majority in the House versus the ones in minority as majority representatives tend to be the ones who preside commissions.

Majority and minority parties

[edit]

The "Majority party" is the political party that holds a majority of seats. The next-largest party is known as the minority party. The president pro tempore, committee chairs, and some other officials are generally from the majority party.

Section 9 of Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico states that should a Party control more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives, the losing candidates with the most percentage of votes will be given seats in the Legislature until the total of minority members reaches seventeen (17). In order to qualify to a Section 9 seat, the candidates must belong to a party that received a minimum number of votes in the General Elections of that year.

Officers

[edit]

The House is served by several officers with and without voting powers, and elected from within and outside its ranks. Of these, only the Speaker was established by the Constitution; all other officers were established by internal rules adopted by each session of the House. Only the Speaker, Speaker pro tempore, the Majority and Minority Leaders, and the Majority and Minority Whips have voting powers as all are elected from within. Non-voting officers are elected from outside House ranks and simply assist in internal procedures and clerical tasks, and in the observance of internal rules, laws, and the Constitution. Typical non-voting officers include the Secretary, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other officers appointed by the different commissions as part of their own internal affairs.

Speaker

[edit]
Main article: Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico

The Speaker of the House is the highest-ranking officer and the presiding officer of the House. The post was created by Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico which establishes that, "[...]the House of Representatives [shall elect] a Speaker from among [its] members." The Speaker is substituted by the Speaker pro tempore in his absence. Its counterpart in the Senate is the President.

The current Speaker is Carlos Johnny Méndez, representative District 36 from the New Progressive Party.

Speaker pro tempore

[edit]
Main article: Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico

The Speaker pro tempore is the second-highest-ranking officer of the House of Representatives and substitutes the Speaker of the House in his absence. Its counterpart in the Senate is the President pro tempore.

The current Speaker pro tempore is José "Conny" Varela, representative at-large from the PPD.

Party leaders

[edit]
Main article: Party leaders of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico

Each party elects floor leaders denominated "Majority leader" or "Minority leader", accordingly, as well as a "Majority Whip" or a "Minority Whip". Floor leaders act as the party chief spokespeople. The current leaders are Majority Leader Ángel Matos García, Majority Whip Roberto Rivera Ruiz de Porras, and Minority Leaders are Carlos "Johnny" Méndez (PNP), Mariana Nogales Molinelli (MVC), Denis Márquez Lebrón (PIP), and Lisie Burgos Muñiz (PD).

Non-member officers

[edit]

The House is served by several officials who are not members.

The Senate's chief administrative officer is the Secretary of the House, who maintains public records, disburses salaries, monitors the acquisition of stationery and supplies, and oversees clerks.[15] The Secretary automatically presides over the House in the interim, once the term of the incumbent Speaker is finished, but before the House elects a new Speaker.

Another official is the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House who maintains order and security on the Senate premises as the Senate's chief law enforcement officer.

This officers are elected by the Senate, usually during its inaugural session, immediately after the election of the body's. The current Secretary is Elizabeth Stuart Villanueva while the current Sergeant-At-Arms is Henry Tallaboa Collazo. Manuel A. Torres is the only Secretary in history to have served under two House Presidents.[citation needed][relevant?]

Current composition

[edit]
Main article: 31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico

The current session is the 31st House of Representatives of Puerto Rico, the lower house of the 19th Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico, which will meet from 2 January 2021, to 1 January 2025. Members were elected in the general elections of 2020 with a simple majority coming from the Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico) (PPD).[16]

Other organizations

[edit]

The Office of Legislative Services was headed in early 2009 by Kevin Rivera, while Eliezer Velázquez currently serves as Superintendent of the Capitol, the first to serve during two four-year terms.

The Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly also receives support services from the Council of State Governments (CSG), CSG's Eastern Regional Conference, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL).

Past composition of the House of Representatives

[edit]
Main article: Political party strength in Puerto Rico

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The House can increase its number of representatives when in a general election more than two-thirds of the members of the House are elected from one political party or from a single ticket.[7]
  2. ^ English has been removed as an official language several times throughout Puerto Rico's modern history, but ballots must be redacted in English too regardless.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Article III, Section 1". Constitution of Puerto Rico. 25 July 1952. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  2. ^ "Article III, Section 19". Constitution of Puerto Rico. 25 July 1952. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  3. ^ "Article III, Section 21". Constitution of Puerto Rico. 25 July 1952. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  4. ^ "Article IV, Section 5". Constitution of Puerto Rico. 25 July 1952. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Article III, Section 22". Constitution of Puerto Rico. 25 July 1952. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Article III, Section 17". Constitution of Puerto Rico. 25 July 1952. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Article III, Section 7,". Constitution of Puerto Rico. 25 July 1952. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  8. ^ Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States) 56–191
  9. ^ PPD v. Barreto Pérez, 119 DPR 199 (1981).
  10. ^ Nogueras v. Tonos Florenzán, 110 DPR 356 (1980) and Tonos Florenzán v. Bernazard, 111 DPR 546 (1981).
  11. ^ Constitución de Puerto Rico Archived 14 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine on LexJuris
  12. ^ Constitution of Puerto Rico in LexJuris. Archived 14 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ Distritos senatoriales y representativos; senadores y representantes por acumulación Archived 9 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine on RamaJudicial.PR
  14. ^ a b c 24 (PDF) (in Spanish). 29 May 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  15. ^ Secretaría del Senado de Puerto Rico on SenadoPR
  16. ^ "COMPOSICION DE LA CAMARA".
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