By The Star Staff
Congress has introduced bipartisan legislation that seeks to establish a special advisor for insular areas in each U.S. executive department, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, announced Monday.
“Our relationship with each of the U.S. Territories is unique and has needs that differ across federal agencies,” Grijalva said in a written statement.
The proposal, known as the Special Advisors for Insular Areas Act, aims to improve coordination and communication of federal policies for island territories, including Puerto Rico.
“The creation of positions within each agency specifically responsible for Island Areas should lead to greater community participation in policymaking,” added Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands).
Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón expressed her support, stressing that the law would be a good step toward addressing the specific challenges and needs of the territories.
“That’s why I’m supporting the Special Advisors for Island Areas Act, which would create an office in every department of the federal government to oversee matters that impact U.S. territories within its jurisdiction,” she said.
The legislation seeks to provide clarity on agency roles, improve policy implementation, and ensure that island territories are considered in national policymaking.