Tag: United States Congress

Bryan Says Feds Have Forgiven $300M In Community Disaster Loans From Storms

CHRISTIANSTED — Governor Albert Bryan released a statement on Congress’ passing a continuing resolution to fund the government through December and avoid a government shutdown that also waives the U.S. Virgin Islands’ debt of $300 million in Community Disaster Loans that resulted from the 2017 hurricanes: “It is with great pleasure that I can announce […]

Can Congress Prohibit Cockfighting In Puerto Rico Via Its Commerce Power?

Ángel Manuel Ortiz‐​Díaz is the owner of two cockfighting venues and a breeder and owner of more than 200 gamecocks. Deeply ingrained in Puerto Rico’s history, tradition, and culture, cockfighting is commonplace on the island. The heavily regulated industry has grown to support more than 11,000 jobs and injects approximately $65 million annually into Puerto Rico’s […]

Rival Puerto Rico Bills Dim Democratic Hopes Of A 51st State: Bloomberg

SAN JUAN — Two competing bills trying to end Puerto Rico’s status as one of the world’s oldest territories threaten to undermine each other — damping hopes that the island might become the 51st U.S. state and a decisive power in Washington. On one side are those who want to make Puerto Rico a peer […]

Congress Asks Canada For Compromise On Cruise Ship Ban In Bipartisan Letter

OTTAWA — Canada’s ban of cruise ships for an entire year has compelled the United States Congress to work together in trying to find a better answer. Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee sent a bipartisan letter to the Canadian Ambassador to the United States Wednesday, concerning the one year extension of the cruise ban in […]

Lawmakers Say COVID-19 Relief Bill Won’t Offer $1,200 Checks

WASHINGTON — With time running out, lawmakers on Sunday closed in on a proposed COVID-19 relief bill that would provide roughly $300 in extra federal weekly unemployment benefits but not another round of $1,200 in direct payments to most Americans, leaving that issue for President-elect Joe Biden to wrestle over with a new Congress next year. The $908 billion […]

Bryan Begs Congress For $800 Million In Loan Forgiveness, FEMA Matching Funds Payouts … And More $Millions In COVID-19 Relief

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan has written to the leadership of the U.S. Congress asking for additional federal COVID-19 relief for the territory as the USVI struggles with the dormant tourism industry and the continuing financial drain on the economy and local business community.  In his letter to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority […]

PATRIOT DAY: Governor Bryan Orders All Flags Flown At Half-Staff To Honor The Dead From 9/11 Attacks

CHARLOTTE AMALIE –– Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. has ordered that all U.S. flags fly at half-staff in accordance with the joint resolution approved by the U.S. Congress on December 18, 2001 designating September 11th of each year as Patriot Day. All flags should be flown half-staff all day until sunset on September 11th, 2020 as […]