He also said Puerto Rico does not have much power in Congress because it is only a territory. Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they do not have the right to vote in presidential elections or elect someone to the Senate. The territory sends a delegate to the House, but she or he cannot vote on legislation, except during committee meetings.
Mr. Pierluisi has proposed legislation that would permit Puerto Rico to declare bankruptcy. American cities can ask for a court’s approval to cancel debts, but territories cannot.
I'm Christopher Jones-Cruise.