Pelosi Statement on Natural Resources Chairman Bishop’s Puerto Rico Discussion Draft

"There is a fiscal and public debt crisis weighing heavily on the lives of our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico.  We appreciate the good faith with which Republicans have worked with Democrats to address this crisis.  Today, as Republicans release their discussion draft, more progress must be made throughout the legislation.

"The sweeping powers of the oversight board proposed in Republicans' current discussion draft are far from what Democrats can support.  In its current form, this board would exert undue and undemocratic control over Puerto Rico's government and residents.

"We look forward to working with Speaker Ryan and Chairman Bishop to address the significant problems of this discussion draft, and to reach our goal of bipartisan, consensus legislation.  Only through continuing to work together to find common ground can we deliver the relief the people of Puerto Rico so urgently need."