of Justice to not conflict with the Constitution, laws, and policies of the United States. (8) The Governor, two-thirds majorities of each house of the Legislative Assembly, and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico elected in November 2016 were voted into office on a platform of seeking equality and permanence for Puerto Rico within the United States. (9) Puerto Rico is treated as a State for the purposes of most laws but is not treated equally with the States under dozens of statutes, including some providing for major health and other programs for individuals with critical needs and in a number of revenue measures. (10) The limitations of, and treatment under, territory status has left Puerto Rico under-developed and substantially contributed to its economy being weak for four decades and in depression for the last one. (11) Millions of the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico have moved to a State for the greater opportunity and better way of life possible in a State. (12) Equality within the Nation is required for a healthy American economy and essential for Puerto Rico’s social and economic health as well as for basic reasons of democracy. (13) Puerto Ricans have contributed greatly to the Nation in all fields of endeavor both in war and in peace. (14) Puerto Rico should be transitioned into equality within the Union. 3. Process for replacing territory status (a) Consistent with Public Law 113–76 , it is the policy of the United States that the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico may choose whether Puerto Rico will become a State or a nation through a plebiscite under that law. (b) If the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico reaffirm the territory’s choice of statehood through a plebiscite under Public Law 113–76 , Federal laws that do not apply to Puerto Rico or apply differently to the territory than to the several States are amended or repealed to phase in the equal treatment of Puerto Rico with the several States by January 3, 2025, as shall be provided for in a plan submitted to the Congress and the President not later