Washington, D.C. Office

Washington, D.C. Office

We cannot neglect the role Washington D.C. plays in Puerto Rico’s affairs.

In 2016 all three branches of the federal government took action related to Puerto Rico.  The judicial branch, through two separate rulings issued by the U.S. Supreme Court, opined that Puerto Rico is not a sovereign territory and ultimately responds to the plenary powers of the U.S. Congress.  The legislative branch authored and voted for the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) allowing the island to access a comprehensive restructuring process, under the purview of a seven-member oversight board.  Finally, the executive branch signed the law and subsequently appointed members to the oversight board.

It was evident this turning point underscored the need for a think tank dedicated to the island’s issues to be present in Washington D.C. and lend its voice to federal policymakers. CNE is doing just that, becoming the principal non-political voice from Puerto Rico and a resource for knowledge and information. It channels its expertise through distinguished analysis and fact-based advocacy. With its office in D.C., we expect to get the U.S. Congress, the executive branch and federal agencies to focus on the right issues and make progress for CNE’s only client: Puerto Rico.

Addressing Puerto Rico in the 116th Congress

We are slightly over one month into the new year. Last week, President Trump gave his second State of the Union (SOTU) address, with little to no mention of Puerto Rico. Given all the public discourse on the recovery process and two recent court rulings with permeating long-term effects, this is an appropriate time to update you on Puerto Rico.
Read More

New Year, Same Gridlock – Day 12 of the Shutdown

One day before the 116th Congress convenes for the first time, President Trump invited congressional leaders to the White House today at 3:00pm for a briefing on border security. This will be the first time they meet since the shutdown began (Dec. 22).
Read More

The Lame Duck Congress

The 2018 midterm elections gave us another split Congress. Since then, it’s been a political fiasco.  Those running for leadership positions have been garnering support, and fighting off dissidents, ahead of caucus meetings to nominate candidates for the 116th Congress.  Final floor votes are expected for January 3, 2019.  Meanwhile, Congress is full steam ahead.  Here are a couple of things in the mix
Read More

Midterms 2018

Midterms 2018 – Here’s what you need to know.
Read More

Additional Content from the D.C. Team

Modified COVID Relief Package Clears Senate Hurdles

After an almost 27-hour session of amendments, debate, and last-minute negotiations within the Democratic camp, the Senate approved President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on March 6, by a 50 to 49 vote.
Read More

SSI Litigation Update

There have been two recent developments in the ongoing litigation regarding the application of the Supplemental Security Income program to residents of Puerto Rico.
Read More

Reinvigorating the Puerto Rico Task Force

Management of territorial affairs has historically fallen under the purview of the Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. However, President Kennedy changed that situation in the case of Puerto Rico by issuing a memorandum ordering that all matters regarding the U.S.-Puerto Rico relationship be referred to the Office of the President.
Read More

The Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (“EITC”), enacted by Congress in 1975, is a tax credit available to working families in the United States whose incomes range from well below the federal poverty threshold to roughly double the poverty line.
Read More

Puerto Rico’s Unmet Needs

It has been three years and 145 days since Hurricane Maria struck the island. In other words, Puerto Rico has entered its fourth year of reconstruction. The amount of time that has gone by could suggest that recovery is fully underway. The reality on the ground, however, is very different.
Read More

Recomendaciones al Gobernador de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico atraviesa por la situación más difícil que ha enfrentado en medio siglo y la complejidad de la coyuntura actual requiere que se establezcan prioridades claras de trabajo. En este memorando al gobernador identificamos cuáles deben ser las prioridades de trabajo para la nueva administración y ofrecemos recomendaciones sobre cómo atenderlas.
Read More
Sign up to our mailing list for updates on CNE’s Washington D.C. Office events and publications.
Are you interested in getting in touch with the D.C. team? Send us an email.
We are interested in hearing from you.