Velázquez on Rossello Resignation

Statement

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello:

"We should be clear -- it is the people of Puerto Rico who exercised their will to achieve this outcome and hold their own government accountable. Now that this step has been taken, it is my hope that the Island can at long last turn the page and the American citizens living there will finally be treated with the fairness and decency they deserve.

"Despite the ongoing turmoil, this could be a watershed moment in Puerto Rico's history. Going forward, the residents of the Island -- of all political parties and persuasions -- must come together to build up their own institutions, increase transparency and professionalize their civil service.

"As I've said before, regardless of the corruption of a few, the people of Puerto Rico must be held harmless. To that end, for my part, I remain focused on federal legislation addressing the Island's Medicaid shortfall, my bills to strengthen the healthcare system for the long term and provide parity for the Island's nutritional assistance program, and efforts to help the Island recover physically and economically.

"Puerto Rico has suffered from decades of economic neglect, crushing debt, a historic natural disaster and a humanitarian crisis. Through it all, the spirit of the Puerto Rican people has proven indominable. I pray that after today they will be further empowered to chart a path to a more prosperous future."

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