New Set of Bills Supports Ties With Puerto Rico

April 2, 2025


 

Three different bills that support our friends and family in Puerto Rico are moving closer to action on the House floor. I will break down how these proposals, which I co-sponsored, will improve economic and trade ties between Connecticut and la Isla del Encanto.

You will find the following sections:

  • New Effort to Help Puerto Rico
  • CT-Puerto Rico Trade Partnership Bill
  • Recognizing Taíno Descendants
 

New Effort to Help Puerto Rico

I applaud the Commerce Committee’s passing of House Joint Resolution No. 9, which calls upon the Congress of the United States to pass legislation to exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act. The resolution, which I am proud to co-sponsor, is intended to improve economic and trade relations between Connecticut and Puerto Rico. Thank you to my colleagues for recognizing the importance of this resolution and supporting its advancement toward the House floor.

With today's uncertainty coming from Washington, Connecticut must lead the way in advocating for policies that support our communities and drive down energy costs. Connecticut residents and the people of Puerto Rico should not bear the consequences of outdated policies that drive up the cost of living. This resolution sends a clear message that we stand in support of sensible reforms to bring relief to our communities.

The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, has had a significant impact on Puerto Rico by mandating that all goods transported between U.S. ports, including those to and from Puerto Rico, be carried on ships that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed. 

This requirement leads to increased shipping costs and hinders trade. As a result, Puerto Rico is limited to a smaller pool of U.S.-flagged vessels for transporting goods between the island and the U.S. mainland. Consequently, these restrictions drive up shipping costs, making goods more expensive for both consumers and businesses in Puerto Rico.
 

CT-Puerto Rico Trade Partnership Bill 

I am happy to announce that House Bill 5008, which I co-introduced to establish a trade commission between Connecticut and Puerto Rico, is closer to action on the House floor after passing the Commerce Committee. The measure aims to:

  • advance bilateral trade and investment between both locations
  • promote business and academic exchanges
  • encourage mutual economic support
A new trade partnership would spur economic growth in CT & Puerto Rico.
 

Recognizing Taíno Descendants

I am also pleased to report my resolution recognizing Taíno Descendants in this State passed out of the Government Administrations and Elections Committee. The Taínos are a subgroup of the Arawak Indians.
Indigenous Boricuas prove that natives of Puerto Rico did not go extinct.

The modern-day descendants of the Taínos inhabit Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean Sea.
Facts about the Taino Indians