Press Release

Gillibrand, on Senate Floor, Urges Congress to Provide Desperately Needed Relief to Puerto Rico

Dec 9, 2015

Speech Text Copied Below with Video Available HERE

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called on the Senate to pass the Puerto Rico Chapter 9 Uniformity Act of 2015, a bill that would provide desperately needed relief to the people of Puerto Rico. Gillibrand spoke on the Senate floor in response to an objection that blocked passage of the bill. 

Below are Senator Gillibrand’s remarks as prepared for delivery and video is available here:

“Mr. President, I also want to express my strong disappointment that my colleague has objected to a bill that would provide desperately needed relief to our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico.

           

“No American parent or child should have to face economic distress simply because of where they live.

 

“Congress has a responsibility to help these families.

 

“The economic situation in Puerto Rico is a serious problem that we can only begin to solve with meaningful legislation.

 

“This bill is the fiscally responsible way to help the people of Puerto Rico.

 

“It is the fiscally responsible way to alleviate the dire economic situation in Puerto Rico.

 

“Let’s be very clear here. It is not a bailout. It is a means to bring our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico out of their serious economic distress.

 

“Congress must come together to pass this bill. The situation in Puerto Rico is desperate, and these families need our help.

 

“There’s no other way to see it. We have to help them.

 

“I urge my colleague to reconsider this objection. Congress must help the people of Puerto Rico.

 

“I yield the floor.”