Resident commissioner urges US House to maintain rum cover-over provision after Senate approval

Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera

By THE STAR STAFF

Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera urged his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday to maintain the provision permanently restoring the increased rum cover-over rate for Puerto Rico, included by the Senate in H.R. 1.

“I have serious concerns about several aspects of H.R. 1; however, I appreciate that the Senate accepted the request we made -- along with Congresswoman [Stacey] Plaskett [D-U.S.V.I.] to include the provision that permanently restores the increased rum cover-over rate for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Hernández Rivera said in a written statement. “Since the beginning of my administration, I have prioritized this issue due to its direct economic impact on the island, and I will continue working with colleagues from both parties to advance initiatives that benefit the people of Puerto Rico. I urge my colleagues in the House to maintain this language in the bill, as amended by the Senate.”

In early June, Hernández and Plaskett requested that the Senate leadership include this provision, which is now part of the Senate version of H.R. 1. The change is estimated to represent more than $110 million in additional funding to the more than $400 million already received annually by the Puerto Rico government.

The rum cover-over funds support areas such as economic development, disaster recovery and essential public services. They also strengthen the island’s rum industry and help retain manufacturing jobs.

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 on May 22. It must now consider the Senate’s amended version. If approved without changes, the bill will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.