Resident commissioner prioritizes Medicaid, SNAP in new Congress
Dismisses concerns over Democratic ties to PR independence movement
By THE STAR STAFF
Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera said in a recent interview that securing federal Medicaid funding remains his top legislative priority and expressed confidence that Congress will address the issue before the end of the year, while dismissing concerns about any growing alliance between Democratic leaders and Puerto Rican independence advocates.
Speaking in a radio interview following last week’s U.S. midterm elections, Hernández said Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program must be addressed during the current congressional session and noted that he has already begun discussions with key lawmakers as the new Democratic-majority Congress prepares to take office.
“The Medicaid issue has to pass before the end of the year,” Hernández said, describing the program as one of the island’s most pressing priorities in Washington.
Hernández also sought to downplay concerns raised by some political sectors regarding the relationship between Democratic officials and pro-independence groups within the Puerto Rican diaspora. He said it is common for elected officials from New York and other diaspora communities to have sympathies toward the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) and argued that such ties are neither new nor politically significant.
“People shouldn’t worry,” Hernández said, noting that many elected officials who participate in annual gatherings of New York state leaders have long-standing relationships with members of the Puerto Rican independence movement.
On national politics, Hernández said he hopes congressional Democrats do not pursue another impeachment effort against President Donald Trump, arguing that previous attempts failed to achieve their objectives and may have ultimately strengthened the president politically.
“They have already done it twice without a result,” Hernández said. “There is a risk that it turns him into a victim and revives him politically.”
The resident commissioner compared such a scenario to the political fallout from a second round of legislative hearings into the Cerro Maravilla killings in Puerto Rico during the early 1990s, which he said helped revive the political fortunes of former Gov. Carlos Romero Barceló.
Instead, Hernández said Democrats should focus on issues related to affordability and government accountability, areas where he believes Puerto Rico can secure bipartisan support. He said he has already been working to incorporate Puerto Rico’s priorities into those broader congressional discussions.
Hernández said conversations with incoming committee leadership have left him optimistic about the prospects for advancing legislation benefiting the island. Still, he acknowledged that success will depend on the legislative vehicle ultimately chosen by Congress and the willingness of President Trump to sign any measure approved by lawmakers.
“I envision a better environment than under a Republican majority,” Hernández said. “The challenge is that President Trump is still the president, and he will be the one signing any legislation.”
Beyond Medicaid, Hernández said he will also push for Puerto Rico’s inclusion in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, debate as Congress works on the next federal Farm Bill.
The resident commissioner added that while he has maintained a productive working relationship with Gov. Jenniffer González Colón in advancing Puerto Rico’s federal agenda, he would like to see greater involvement from the Puerto Rico Legislature in those efforts.
“We need more integration and participation from the Legislature,” Hernández said, arguing that coordinated advocacy will strengthen Puerto Rico’s position in Washington as lawmakers consider funding and social safety net programs affecting the island.
