“Once again, the Republican Congress has singled out Puerto Ricans as second-class citizens. While I recognize the Republican Party’s commitment to helping Puerto Rico in the new year, the 3.5 million Americans who call the Island home simply cannot afford to wait that long. With each passing day, the economic and healthcare crisis in Puerto Rico grows direr and the Republican Congress must fully commit to providing Puerto Rico with the support it needs to restructure its debt and thrive once more. I thank Leader Reid, Senator Schumer, Minority Leader Pelosi, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez and Congressman José E. Serrano for their continued leadership in advocating for Puerto Rico.”

–Council Speaker Mark-Viverito