Vote to Save Puerto Rico Next on Senate Agenda

Coast scene in Patillas, Puerto Rico. Photo by Oquendo.
Coast scene in Patillas, Puerto Rico. Photo by Oquendo.

Intervening in the nick of time, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell seems to have organized on Monday enough votes in the Senate to pass an already agreed upon House measure to rescue Puerto Rico from their financial crisis. The island US protectorate is scheduled to default on Friday.

The bill needs 60 votes at least to move ahead, sending the bill as early as Thursday to the White House for President Barack Obama’s signature.

“I think it will pass because it’s the only game in town,” said Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida. Nelson’s state is highly affected by the crisis in Puerto Rico which is causing residents there to flee to the closest mainland state.

Despite the fact that Puerto Rico’s financial crisis is in the twelfth hour, Democrats are still demanding a few changes to the bill. They would like different provisions made on minimum wage, overtime rules for Puerto Rican workers, and the selection of a new board of directors that are in charge of the island’s finances.

“I’m very concerned about the labor provisions, I’m very concerned about the makeup of the commission,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio She was expressing her concern about the seven-member board where most of the seats will be assigned by Republicans.

Gail Nussbaum

Gail Nussbaum has been involved in politics and diplomacy for over 15 years. Her interest in foreign relations, economics and budget policy has led her to her position as fiscal policy writer at Left Justified. Gail can be contacted at gailnussbaum(at)leftjustified.com.

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