Legislative Activity

The Puerto Rico BEACHES Act mandates a comprehensive study led by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the impact of coastal erosion on Puerto Rico's economy, including tourism and fishing. The GAO must coordinate with local Puerto Rican agencies to analyze these effects across coastal zones. The final report must provide Congress with specific recommendations for mitigating environmental damage and addressing industry-specific challenges caused by erosion.

The HABLA Act of 2025 mandates that all federal agencies develop and implement detailed plans to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) can access federally conducted programs. Furthermore, the bill requires agencies distributing federal funds to issue specific guidance to their recipients on providing language access to avoid national origin discrimination. Throughout this process, agencies must consult with LEP individuals and stakeholders to create practical, fiscally responsible implementation strategies.

The Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive review of utilizing drones to enhance border security and combat maritime and low-altitude drug smuggling along the U.S. coastline. This assessment must analyze the effectiveness and risks associated with drone deployment, focusing particularly on major trafficking routes and remote areas. The resulting report detailing these findings will be submitted to key Congressional committees.

This Act establishes the Puerto Rico Energy Generation Crisis Task Force within the President's Executive Office to address the island's energy challenges. The task force will coordinate key federal agencies, like the DOE and FEMA, with Puerto Rican energy stakeholders. Its primary mission is to diagnose generation problems, recommend solutions, and ensure efficient collaboration among all involved parties.

The TRICARE Equality Act aims to ensure military health coverage in Puerto Rico is administered consistently with the 50 states. This includes standardizing TRICARE Prime Area designations and expanding travel and transportation allowances for beneficiaries on the island. The bill also mandates improved coordination for sharing health data between federal and Puerto Rico health agencies.

This resolution officially recognizes the serious racial disparities in colorectal cancer impact, particularly within Hispanic communities where screening rates are significantly lower. It urges federal agencies like the CDC and NIH to expand efforts to eliminate these disparities through increased awareness, education, and improved access to screening. The bill emphasizes the importance of early screening, which is highly effective in preventing and treating colorectal cancer.

The Puerto Rico Low-Income Housing Support Act seeks to improve housing access for low-income families in Puerto Rico. It amends the definition of "extremely low-income families" to align Puerto Rico with the poverty guidelines of the contiguous U.S. and requires a report on efforts to connect low-income families in Puerto Rico with housing assistance and affordable housing. The report will also assess disaster recovery efforts related to low-income housing and provide recommendations for program improvements.

The "Child Tax Credit Relief for Puerto Rican Families Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure equitable treatment for Puerto Rican residents regarding the refundable portion of the child tax credit, starting after 2024. It modifies the calculation of Social Security taxes used to determine the refundable amount of the credit, enhancing the potential benefit for eligible families.

This bill grants Diego Montoya Bedoya eligibility to apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States, notwithstanding standard numerical immigration limits. It provides for the adjustment of his status, waives existing grounds for removal or inadmissibility, and mandates the rescission of any outstanding deportation orders against him. The legislation also establishes a two-year application window and specifies that these benefits do not extend to his family members.