We believe it is time for Congress to act and extend to Puerto Ricans in the island the same protections already available to all other U.S. citizens:
1. Extend Chapter 9 protection under Federal Bankruptcy laws to Puerto Rican public entities. We are not asking for a bailout, but for a fair shot at restructuring Puerto Rican debt in an orderly fashion, enabling progress towards economic growth.
2. Eliminate cabotage laws and the Jones Act, which place an unfair burden on Puerto Rican trade.
3. Grant equal benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act for Puerto Rico residents, who contribute the same amount to these programs as every other U.S. citizen.
We ask that the White House take an aggressive approach and push Congress to enact these laws.