Velázquez on Supreme Court Ruling in United States v. Vaello-Madero

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has released the following statement in response to today's Supreme Court ruling on United States v. Vaello Madero:

"Today's Supreme Court ruling is a demoralizing setback for the people of Puerto Rico who deserve the same access to federal benefits as those living in the mainland United States. We cannot forget that Puerto Rico was colonized by the United States over a century ago, and today's decision is yet another in a long and brutal effort by the U.S. to treat Puerto Ricans as second-class citizens.

"I am deeply disappointed that the Biden Administration chose to continue in the footsteps of its predecessor by supporting a brief in this case to uphold the constitutionality of withholding SSI benefits from those on the island. This was a grave failure to do right by the people of Puerto Rico.

"This ruling ought to set a fire under Congress to finally pass legislation that enshrines the rights of Puerto Ricans and other residents of the territories to parity in receiving comprehensive federal benefits. Whether through budget reconciliation, or by passing my bill with Senator Bernie Sanders, this cannot wait."