Serrano On Puerto Rico Provisions in Omnibus Bill

Statement

Congressman José E. Serrano today released the following statement on the provisions related to Puerto Rico included in the Omnibus bill released last night:

"I am extremely disappointed that Republicans have rejected our efforts to comprehensively address Puerto Rico's fiscal crisis. While the provisions included in the Financial Services section of the bill will help address some of the many problems and disparities affecting Puerto Rico's economy, they are not nearly enough to help the island face its economic crisis in the short and long term.

"Unfortunately, this is business as usual when it comes to Puerto Rico. The island is too often ignored by Republicans in Congress- even in times of crisis.

"Millions of American citizens in Puerto Rico are suffering the effects of an economic situation that will only get worse if Congress doesn't take action now. The government of Puerto Rico will likely default on its debt in the coming months and will not able to provide its residents with essential services. Congress has a duty to take more forceful action, including at the very least, allowing Puerto Rico to restructure its debt and providing more equitable treatment under federal programs and the tax code. My colleagues and I are not asking Congress to do anything they would not do for other parts of the U.S. We are only asking them to do what is only fair for millions of U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico.

"I am thankful that Democrats fought hard to provide comprehensive assistance and fairness for Puerto Rico in the Omnibus, and I would especially single out the efforts of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congressman Pedro Pierluisi, and Congressman Luis Gutiérrez. I also want to thank all the elected officials and advocates who worked tirelessly to help Puerto Rico in the Omnibus. To them I say that the fight is not over, and we will continue to work to ensure fairness for Puerto Rico.

"Lastly, I believe that this is not just an issue of political will or economic crisis. This situation, both on the island and in Congress, highlight the need to change Puerto Rico's political status. The current colonial arrangement is, I believe, at the heart of the fiscal crisis on the island. Colonialism is what leads Puerto Rico to be treated inequitably under many federal programs. Colonialism is what leads its plight to be ignored in Congress. And colonialism will ensure that this situation will continue to repeat itself over and over again. While we will continue to debate and discuss the challenges facing Puerto Rico in Congress, the result of the current discussions are clear- the status must change.

"This fight has united the Puerto Rican Diaspora like never before. These efforts will be long remembered by millions of Puerto Ricans in Florida, New York, and elsewhere."

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