Velázquez Highlights Need for In-Depth Debate on Status of Puerto Rico, Beyond the White House Report

Velázquez Highlights Need for In-Depth Debate on Status of Puerto Rico, Beyond the White House Report

Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources convened for a hearing on the White House Task Force Report regarding the status of Puerto Rico. Only four individuals were invited to speak during the hearing. While Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), who represents a high proportion of Puerto Rican communities in her congressional district, was not included, she highlighted that this issue demands in-depth discussion and action that reaches far beyond the report itself.

"Let there be no doubt that this is an important issue to me and the people of Puerto Rico," Congresswoman Velázquez said. "The report that is being discussed today is far from an adequate course of action in this situation, and not comprehensive enough, which are extremely concerning. This is a serious issue that demands a constructive and substantive debate based on diligent analysis, not one based on a report skewed with a particular political agenda."

A similar hearing was held earlier this year in the U.S. House Resources Committee in which Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez expressed her dissatisfaction with the report that was presented by the Task Force. During that hearing, the report's credibility was questioned due to the lack of documentation to support its conclusion and its superficiality in terms of subject depth and content. In addition, the Task Force was criticized for failing to hold any public hearings in Puerto Rico, and for keeping the research outside the public's purview when developing the report. However, despite the discussion that took place, there has been no indication that any effort has been made by the Task Force to address the concerns raised during the hearing.

"Today's hearing revisits a report that its supporters want to portray as the administration's views on this matter," Congresswoman Velázquez said. "However, the irony here is that while 'White House' may be in the title, not even the lowest level of White House staffers have confirmed whether the report's findings have been supported, or even acknowledged, by the President. The fact that the President has not spoken about this report seems to tell us that we are not the only ones that feel this was a poorly researched report - and an inadequate response to such a vital issue."

The disappointment surrounding the content of the report, and the confusion on whether or not it has actually been supported by the White House, has left many unsatisfied with the action that has been taken so far, and does not fulfill the need for further analysis of this issue. Congresswoman Velázquez expressed the need for increased evaluation of the matter, as well as a comprehensive solution.

"It is critical that any future hearings on this issue not be about a superficial and inadequate report, but rather on legislation that can impact the quality of life for our U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico," Congresswoman Velázquez said.

http://www.house.gov/velazquez/PressReleases/2006/pr111506.htm