Pascrell Statement on Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today reacted to the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló following widespread protests.

“The people of Puerto Rico deserve to be represented by leaders who hold their trust and respect. Because the governor had clearly lost the support of Puerto Ricans, his resignation was best for his people,” said Rep. Pascrell, one of Congress’s leaders supporting Puerto Rican autonomy. “The protests were democracy in action. The governor’s successor must be dedicated to accountability in helping the island. And Congress must work with Puerto Rico to give its citizens whatever support they need to get back on their feet. These are Americans, are countrymen and brothers and sisters, and they themselves deserve more help from our federal government.”

Rep. Pascrell has been a leading voice in Congress calling for increased support of Puerto Rico as it recovers from Hurricane Maria and has been harshly critical of Donald Trump’s inaction to help the island.

Pascrell is the lead sponsor with Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González -Colón of critical Puerto Rico relief legislation: H.R. 3307, a slightly revised version of the Tax Equity and Prosperity for Puerto Rican Families Act of 2019, legislation that would provide a federal supplement to Puerto Rico’s newly-created Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, as well as funding for EITC education and outreach to the island. In addition, the legislation would provide a similar supplement to the other U.S. territories. The legislation has been approved by the House Ways and Means Committee.

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