Velazquez on Omnibus Spending Bill

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding the omnibus spending bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives today:

“It is unconscionable that Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell prevented the year-end spending bill from containing meaningful provisions to address Puerto Rico’s fiscal problems. This is not only a fiscal crisis, but is rapidly becoming a humanitarian one. 3.5 million American citizens were counting on Congress and the Republican Leadership turned their back.

“Until late last night, Leader Pelosi and I were pressing the Republican Leadership to move legislation that would aid Puerto Rico, but Republicans would not relent. Speaker Ryan has pledged to work on this issue early next year. My fear is that effort will be too little, too late, but I will of course continue pursuing all available options. In that regard, now that Congressional Republicans have failed to act, I expect them to neither criticize nor interfere should the Administration take steps to help the island. Republicans have forfeited that right.

“There are a number of critical items in the omnibus unrelated to Puerto Rico. Notably, the legislation reauthorizes the Zadroga 9/11 Health Act, which is vital to our first responders suffering from 9/11-related ailments. We cannot abandon those who risked their own lives assisting others when our country was attacked. It is critical that program be extended.

“Likewise, I am concerned that if this omnibus did not pass, we could see a return to sequester spending levels for another year, depriving our communities of resources they need to help working families and seniors throughout New York City and our nation.

“For these reasons, I voted for the omnibus, albeit with reluctance. To my colleagues who opposed the legislation based only on Puerto Rico-related provisions, I hope you are involved next year in constructive, substantive efforts seeking real solutions. At the end of the day, we all must vote our conscience and, while I remain saddened by this current episode, we have a responsibility to continue funding the government. I plan to redouble my efforts on this issue and will be reminding Speaker Ryan of commitments he made. I expect the 5 million Puerto Ricans spread throughout our nation in states like Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania will do so, as well.

“I would like to thank Leader Pelosi for her tireless efforts and continuing to prioritize Puerto Rico in negotiations. I would also like to thank all the members of the Puerto Rican community and the advocacy groups who fought so hard. This fight is not over.”

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