House of Representatives of Puerto Rico

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The House of Representatives of Puerto Rico (Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico) is the lower house of Puerto Rico’s Legislative Assembly, the territory’s law-making body. Along with the Senate, it creates laws for Puerto Rico. For a bill to become law, it must be approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The House also has the power to start impeachment proceedings and to begin indictments. The appointment of the Secretary of State requires the House’s advice and consent.

Size, elections, and meeting place
- Members: 53 total (40 district representatives elected by first-past-the-post and 11 at-large representatives elected by single non-transferable vote).
- Elections: every four years. Last election was November 5, 2024, next will be November 7, 2028.
- Where they meet: Capitol of Puerto Rico, San Juan (in the Ernesto Ramos Antonini House Annex Building, the Antonio R. Barceló Building, and the Luis A. Ferré Building).

Leadership and current composition
- Speaker: Carlos Johnny Méndez (PNP), in office since January 2, 2025.
- Speaker pro tempore: Ángel Peña Ramírez (PNP).
- Majority Leader: José Pichy Torres Zamora (PNP).
- Minority Leader: Héctor Ferrer Santiago (PPD).
- Party composition: PNP 36 seats, PPD 13 seats, PIP 3 seats, PD 1 seat.

Historical and constitutional context
- The House has met since 1900. It began as the House of Delegates under the Foraker Act and became part of a bicameral legislature with the Senate in 1917.
- The House’s structure and powers are established in Puerto Rico’s Constitution: it holds exclusive power to start revenue bills and to bring impeachment indictments; the governor signs laws after both houses approve them.

Rights, duties, and benefits
- Members serve four-year terms with no term limits.
- Salaries: typical representative earns about $73,775 per year; the Speaker earns around $110,663; other key leaders earn about $84,841.
- Representatives receive office space, staff, and related resources; travel and retirement/health benefits are provided under the government’s rules.

Notes
- The House works with the Senate as part of Puerto Rico’s bicameral government to govern the territory.