Kamala Harris confirmed US support for Puerto Rico during her first visit

Vice President Kamala Harris touched down in Puerto Rico on Friday afternoon for her inaugural visit to the island since taking office in 2021.

The purpose of the five-hour trip was to focus on President Joe Biden’s commitment to helping Puerto Rico recuperate from several natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic. reported that the primary focus was on presenting the administration’s expenses to support the island’s infrastructure and economic recovery efforts.

Harris’ visit included an examination of the Canóvanas neighborhood, which received federal housing funds approved by the Biden administration to rebuild the homes of nearly 6,300 islanders after the devastation attributable to Hurricane Maria in 2017. Harris declared, “We are making a difference,” as she delivered a speech in front of the renovated home of a hurricane survivor in Canóvanas. She outlined the administration’s total allocation of $140 billion to numerous Puerto Rican sectors, akin to education and disaster relief, and highlighted funding for small businesses, innovators, infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives.

Harris joined community activists and artisans in San Juan to mark the 151st anniversary of the abolition of slavery on the island. The trip sparked each protests regarding the administration’s position in foreign policy and counter-protests from pro-statehood supporters. According to Puerto Rico Democratic Party President Charlie Rodríguez, Harris’ visit reaffirms Biden’s initial policy of “focusing on Puerto Rico during his term.”

Before leaving the island, Harris also attended a Biden Victory Fund fundraising event held at an apartment complex owned by investor Nicholas Prouty, who has donated to several Democratic campaigns since around 2008. Rodríguez stressed the importance of elected officials participating in fundraisers. “There is no doubt that there are many people in Puerto Rico who are in a better position to be able to contribute generous amounts within the limits allowed by federal law and to make these types of contributions,” Rodríguez said.

Although islanders cannot take part in presidential elections, they’ll take part in party primaries that select candidates. Republicans will vote on April 21, and the Democratic primary will likely be held on April 28.