07.22.19

Chair Grijalva: “Gov. Rosselló Needs to Resign Immediately to Allow Puerto Rico to Move Forward – Important Discussions Can’t Happen in a Crisis”

Washington, D.C. – Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz) this morning reiterated that, given the massive protests happening today led by Puerto Rican people around the world, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló needs to resign immediately to restore stability on the island and credibility for the local government. Grijalva was the first member of Congress to call for his resignation.

Last night, Gov. Rosselló announced his intention not to seek re-election in 2020 and to resign from the presidency of the New Progressive Party. Grijalva said those moves are insufficient and do not create the necessary space in Washington to advance necessary measures that benefit the residents of Puerto Rico.

Gov. Rosselló has been under pressure to resign due to FBI arrests of former members of his administration on corruption charges. That pressure has intensified since a series of profane text conversations with colleagues was leaked – chats that show Rosselló frequently using misogynist, homophobic, and violent language.

“The residents of Puerto Rico are using their power and holding their elected officials accountable for this alleged corruption and shameful behavior,” Grijalva said today. “Congress and the Trump administration must not use this crisis of governance to slow or reduce federal assistance to the island, and the control board should not see this as an opportunity to amass more unelected power over the day-to-day lives of the people of Puerto Rico. Meaningful discussions about the island’s long-term status should occur without this political crisis as a backdrop.

“This is an opportunity for the federal government to work closely with municipalities and Puerto Rico’s civil society to achieve meaningful reconstruction. We will continue to follow the exceptional situation taking place in Puerto Rico. I remain committed to helping improve the lives and futures of families on the island. We will be talking more about our plans for amending PROMESA in the near future.”

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