San Juan, Puerto Rico – Vice President Kamala Harris made her first official visit to Puerto Rico since taking office three years ago, arriving in the U.S. territory on Friday afternoon. The purpose of her trip was to showcase President Joe Biden’s commitment to supporting Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts in the wake of hurricanes, earthquakes, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
During her five-hour visit, Harris visited an area in the town of Canóvanas that received federal housing funds from the Biden administration to rebuild homes for around 6,300 families following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Speaking outside the home of an elderly resident, Harris emphasized the administration’s investments in Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and economic recovery initiatives.
The Biden administration has allocated a total of $140 billion to Puerto Rico, spanning various sectors such as education, disaster response, small businesses, entrepreneurs, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. Harris acknowledged the ongoing work needed to further support the island’s recovery.
Additionally, Harris commemorated the 151st anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico, underscoring the island’s cultural heritage and African influence. Despite being a U.S. territory, residents of Puerto Rico cannot vote in presidential elections, underscoring the importance of engaging with the community to garner support.
The Democratic and Republican primaries in Puerto Rico are scheduled for April, targeting the significant number of Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. mainland. Harris’ visit drew a mix of reactions, with some groups protesting the administration’s handling of international issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict and U.S. involvement in Haiti.
On the political front, Harris attended a fundraising event organized by the Biden Victory Fund, drawing attention to wealthy investors benefiting from tax breaks in Puerto Rico. The U.S. Government Accountability Office is currently investigating these tax incentives, raising concerns about potential tax avoidance practices among high-income individuals.
In the midst of these developments, Harris’ visit underscores the ongoing efforts of the Biden administration to address the needs of Puerto Rico and engage with the local community on critical issues impacting the island’s future. The complexity of Puerto Rico’s political and economic landscape remains a focal point for policymakers as they navigate the path to recovery and sustainable growth.