U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah said Friday, however, that the U.S. territory first has to have a vibrant economy and a stable government. The island is trying to restructure a portion of its more than $70 billion public debt load amid an 11-year recession.
Bishop visited the island with Puerto Rico’s representative in Congress, Jenniffer Gonzalez, who said he has been a great ally as the island struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria. However, Gov. Ricardo Rossello has previously clashed with Bishop, and his office said he was unable to meet the congressman because his agenda was full on Friday.