This Week in Congress: How to Prevent Visa Fraud and Solve Puerto Rico’s Economic Crisis
Senators argued in a hearing this Tuesday about the future of an investor visa program many have dubbed “controversial.” They also called for a serious crack down on visa fraud. The most heated argument of the day was in regards to investment money and how it should be directed – oh, and whether the program should survive at all.
Senators Jeff Flake (R-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced their own bill while blocking a reform effort led by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Grassley then put a hold on that bill, effectively creating a stalemate.
Congressional lawmakers also discussed ways to save the Puerto Rican economy as the island nation struggles with debt. This issue has risen higher on Capitol Hill’s to-do list with Speaker Paul Ryan’s announcement that a relief bill would be produced by the end of March.
While the Dems demand bankruptcy protection, Republicans argue for heavy financial oversight to avoid what some may assume to be a taxpayer-funded bailout. “Debt restructuring alone is not going to help the territory. We’ve got to be able to find an affordable way for them to actually be able to compete and manufacture on the island,” said Republican Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah.
“The bottom line is if you look at the bill we introduced it did bankruptcy but it also had oversight and we’re for both. What we don’t want to happen is oversight alone without any bankruptcy because you won’t get anything done,” argues Senator Chuck Schumer.
