Grijalva on the Puerto Rico Discussion Draft: “Hopeful the Draft Bill Will Lead to a Substantive Bipartisan Discussion”

Tucson, Ariz. – Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) released the following statement on Chairman Rob Bishop’s (R-Utah) Puerto Rico discussion draft bill. The draft legislation aims to address the Commonwealth’s debt crisis.

“I remain hopeful that the Puerto Rico discussion draft can lead to a substantive bipartisan discussion,” Grijalva said. “As we begin negotiations, I urge my Republican colleagues to put the needs of American families first – children, mothers, grandparents on the island – who desperately need Congress’ help with developing a plan that offers a solution to the debt crisis.”

“I’m optimistic that Chairman Bishop will be open to working with us on a bipartisan bill. However, as the bill currently stands, I can tell you now that we will not support the powers granted to the oversight board. The provisions are onerous and undermine the sovereignty of Puerto Rico. In order to gain Democratic support of the bill, the sweeping power of the oversight board will need to be reined in.”

The House Natural Resources Committee is expected to hold a hearing on the Puerto Rico discussion draft bill on April 13.

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