Senate Memorial by Senator Arrington urges the United States Congress to establish a definitive end date for the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, which was created under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) in 2016. The memorial highlights concerns regarding the board's ongoing authority over Puerto Rico's fiscal policies, which has raised issues related to local democratic governance and self-determination. It notes that while Puerto Rico has made progress in restructuring its debt and implementing fiscal reforms, the indefinite operation of the board threatens long-term recovery and fiscal autonomy, particularly as austerity measures have severely impacted public services and led to significant migration from the island.
In addition to calling for an end date for the board, the memorial requests that Congress place the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority under Chapter 9 bankruptcy, ensure a transition to full fiscal autonomy and local governance, and promote community-driven recovery efforts. The resolution emphasizes the importance of these actions for the well-being of Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens deserving of the same rights as other citizens, and it acknowledges the significant Puerto Rican community in Florida that is directly affected by the board's policies. The Secretary of State is tasked with sending copies of this memorial to key federal officials and members of the Florida congressional delegation.