Puerto Rican Senate with more powers. Finally, in January 1916, Representative William Jones presented the Jones Act for Puerto Rico and other territories. It was signed by Woodrow Wilson on March 2, 1917. On August 13, 1917, the first Senate of Puerto Rico was sworn in. Antonio R. Barceló was chosen as its first President, with Eduardo Georgetti as his Pro tempore. Also, José Muñoz Rivera and Manuel Palacios Salazar were selected as Secretary and Sergeant at Arms respectively. In this first instance, the Senate was composed of 19 members, 14 of which were chosen from each of the seven senatorial districts, and five elected at-large. Functions The Senate, along with the House of Representatives, are in charge of the legislative power of the Government of Puerto Rico. The Senate has exclusive power to try and to decide impeachment cases, and in meeting for such purposes, the Senators act in the name of the people of Puerto Rico. The Constitution also establishes that all Secretaries appointed by the Governor to the different executive departments, as well as all judges, require the advice and consent of the Senate. Justices of the Supreme Court can not assume office until after confirmation by the Senate. Commissions Agriculture Banking, Consumer Affairs, and Public Corporations Civil Legal Commerce and Cooperativism Criminal Justice Government Economic Development and Planning Education and Family Matters Federal Relations and Informatics Health Internal Affairs Labor, Veterans' Affairs, and Human Resources Mountain Municipal Matters Natural and Environmental Resources Public Safety and Judiciary Matters Recreation and Sports Rules and Calendar Social Welfare Tourism and Culture Treasury Urbanism and Infrastructure Western Development Women's Affairs Membership Qualifications Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico states that no person can be a member of the Senate unless the candidate: is capable of reading and writing in either Spanish or English; is a citizen of the United States and Puerto Rico; has resided in Puerto Rico for at least two years immediately prior to the date of his election or appointment; is over thirty years of age. Elections Elections to the Senate are held every four years on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November, along with the elections for governor, resident commissioner, the House, the mayors, and the municipal assemblies. The last election was held on November 8, 2016, where the members of the 26th Senate of Puerto Rico were elected. The next election