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Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón to serve on the House Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees during the 118th Congress

February 1, 2023

The Representative for Puerto Rico will also serve as Vice Chair of a Natural Resources Subcommittee

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR-AL) will continue serving on the House Natural Resources (HNR) and Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committees during the 118th Congress. Both have jurisdiction over key federal agencies relevant to Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts, supporting critical infrastructure, and other energy and environmental issues. 
 
The Island’s sole representative in Congress was also selected to serve as Vice Chair of the HNR’s Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, which oversees matters regarding the 5 U.S. territories, Native American tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. 

“I’m honored to return to the House Natural Resources Committee as Vice Chair of the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee.  In this role, I’ll continue advocating for policies to foster economic growth and improve energy security, affordability, and reliability across the U.S. territories and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities.  I’m also committed to conducting rigorous oversight over inequities in federal laws; the responsible use of federal funds, including those for disaster recovery; and the Executive Branch’s negotiations to extend and implement the Compacts of Free Association,” said González-Colón. “As Co-Chair of the House Oceans Caucus, I’m also excited to serve on the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee, where I’ll continue advocating for bipartisan policies to tackle the most pressing issues facing our oceans and coastal communities."
 
“I’m so glad to welcome Resident Commissioner González-Colón as vice chairwoman for the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. Insular communities have often experienced economies that lag behind others, and Ms. González Colón will bring valuable insight into these issues both for Puerto Rico and across the states and territories. I look forward to working with her to find long-term solutions,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.
 
González-Colón will also serve on the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to coastal, marine, and estuarine habitats, as well as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) programs like the National Sea Grant College Program, the Integrated Ocean Observing System, and the Coral Reef Conservation Program, among others. The Subcommittee also oversees the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Endangered Species Act.
 
On T&I, Congresswoman González-Colón will serve on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, which oversees the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).  Puerto Rico is home to USCG Sector San Juan—including Base San Juan and Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla—which plays a vital role combatting transnational criminal organizations and securing the U.S. Caribbean border, carrying out search and rescue missions, and assisting with disaster recovery and emergency response efforts.  The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over issues related to the maritime industry and ocean shipping laws.
 
“I am proud to join my colleagues at the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. The Subcommittee’s jurisdiction is of great importance for Puerto Rico as we rely heavily on the U.S. Coast Guard for critical missions, including border security, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, maritime safety, among other. Additionally, being an Island jurisdiction, Puerto Rico depends on safe and reliable shipping practices that secure access to the multiple goods and services needed by constituents. By serving in this Subcommittee, I will be able to support the Coast Guard and assist the needs stemming from maritime shipping practices, while conducting proper oversight of federal efforts and investment. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues at the Subcommittee as we embark on this new, 118th Congress,” added González-Colón. 
 
The Congresswoman will also continue to serve on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Development. Combined, these subcommittees have jurisdiction over the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which handles a large portion of the Island’s federal funding for disaster recovery, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. 
 
 

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