Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement on Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, released the following statement on the situation in Puerto Rico:

"First and foremost, Puerto Ricans deserve a transparent, accountable government. Further, it is critical that the island continue receiving federal recovery funds required to rebuild after Hurricane Maria and prepare for the next hurricane season, as well as Medicaid funding and nutrition benefits.

"At the same time, police must respect the rights of peaceful protestors and deescalate situations in a professional manner. Any reports of police harming protesters must be investigated.

"We will continue to support the people of Puerto Rico as they hold their elected officials accountable and work to restore faith in their government."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.