Readout of CHC Meeting with Speaker Paul Ryan

Washington, DC- Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus met with Speaker Paul Ryan. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss priorities important to the Latino community. At the top of the list was Puerto Rico. The meeting was productive and cordial.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been fighting for the 3.5 million American citizens that reside in Puerto Rico and for an end to the economic and fiscal crisis on the Island. CHC Members urged the Speaker to swiftly usher through the House legislation on Puerto Rico that allows the Island to restructure a meaningful portion of its debt, provides for reasonable, respectful and independent oversight of Puerto Rico’s fiscal affairs, and does not include labor provisions that harm workers.

On immigration reform, CHC Members asked Speaker Ryan to block anti-immigrant legislation from arriving to the House Floor. The Speaker celebrated his Irish roots last month on St. Patrick’s Day, and the Members reminded him that they too are proud of their Mexican, Guatemalan, Colombian, and Cuban roots.

Speaker Paul Ryan closed the meeting by thanking the Members for their leadership. He agrees that it is important to continue the dialogue and find common ground between his Conference and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

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