Ann Claire Williams: “Congress should grant Puerto Rico such authority, a measure that would cost the Federal Government and U.S. taxpayers…”

The goal of Congress, if it pursues the authority's creation, should be to provide Puerto Rico with the best means available to help remedy the fiscal distress as soon as possible.

Taking the necessary steps to assist the Commonwealth in timely implementing solutions to its well-recognized financial challenges is important not only to the Island but to the Nation as a whole.

A six-month moratorium would destroy parishes and counties along the Gulf Coast that rely heavily on oil and gas as a way of revenue.

I say this with genuine regret. Individuals and institutions loaned Puerto Rico money, and Puerto Rico promised to pay them back with interest.