Velázquez on New York Attorney General-Led Brief in United States v. Valleo-Madero

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has released the following statement in support of a brief filed to the Supreme Court in the case United States v. Vaello-Madero by New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 18 attorneys general:

"I applaud Attorney General James for her steadfast commitment to the people of Puerto Rico, and for using the weight of her office to elevate the critical issue of parity for the territories. The attorneys general in the brief rightly argue that Puerto Ricans are American citizens, yet for too long, they have been delt a shorthand when it comes to receiving federal benefits.

"That's why Congress must also pass my bill, the Territorial Equity Act of 2021, which would help residents in the territories gain equal access to a wide range of federal programs, including SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, and popular tax credits.

"The ongoing disparate treatment of Puerto Rico and the territories by the federal government has tragically allowed residents to fall behind by exacerbating social and economic inequalities. The stakes are too high to continue to punt on this issue and Congress must act."