May 1, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA), together with Puerto Rico Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja Rodríguez and Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard, held over a dozen meetings this week with congressional leaders from the House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees, as well as officials from the White House and federal agencies. These visits are part of the broader strategy led by Governor Jenniffer González-Colón to advance Puerto Rico’s priorities at the federal level.
Consistent with Governor González Colón’s policies to bolster the Island’s industrial capabilities through reshoring strategies, the Secretaries presented critical economic development initiatives to White House officials. These efforts focused particularly on revitalizing Puerto Rico’s manufacturing sector, aiming to position the Island as a strategic location for the relocation of supply chains, strengthening American economic and national security interests.
During the meetings, they also highlighted the reintroduction of the bipartisan MMEDS Act (H.R. 3042), sponsored by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. The legislation proposes incentives for manufacturers to invest in economically distressed areas. Originally championed by Governor González Colón during her time representing Puerto Rico in Congress, the bill remains a cornerstone of the Island’s long-term strategy to attract investment and foster sustainable economic growth.
On Capitol Hill, discussions centered on critical issues for Puerto Rico’s fiscal stability and the wellbeing of the Island’s residents. These included safeguarding the Medicaid funding agreement secured under Governor González-Colón’s leadership, as well as expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to provide relief to Puerto Rican families. Additionally, they advocated for Congressman Ron Estes’ bill (H.R. 1378) to temporarily increase the amount of funding transferred to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the federal excise taxes collected on imported rum, an initiative long championed by the Governor.
“These meetings have been essential to advance Puerto Rico’s economic agenda in Washington,” said Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard of the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce. “We reiterated that Puerto Rico is ready to serve as a key hub for advanced manufacturing in the U.S., under the leadership of a Governor who is fully committed to attracting investment, creating jobs, and modernizing the Island’s economy.”
Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja Rodríguez emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent and active presence in federal policymaking. “We are being proactive in fostering dialogue around key programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, the Child Tax Credit, and revenues from the rum tax cover-over. These efforts reflect Governor González Colón’s vision to ensure that Puerto Rico’s residents have full access to all available federal programs and funding.”
PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli underscored the significance of a strong federal engagement strategy. “Our mission is clear: to ensure every conversation, every legislative proposal, and every economic opportunity in Washington fully reflects Puerto Rico’s potential, needs, and rights. Under Governor González Colón’s leadership, we remain committed to ensuring Puerto Rico is effectively and strategically represented at all levels of the federal government.”
This week’s meetings mark a significant step to implement Governor González Colón’s public policy agenda to position Puerto Rico as a key player in the nation’s economic development efforts, as well as to secure access to the necessary federal programs and resources that directly impact the Island.
###
