Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned that section 936 is phased out in this bill without anything to replace it. Many of my constituents in Hartford, CT, have friends and relatives employed by section 936 companies in Puerto Rico . I am concerned about the impact of the repeal of section 936 on the people on Puerto Rico .
Poverty is already very high and good jobs scarce.
I'm afraid that we will only fully realize just how effective it has been when the companies that have enjoyed section 936 begin to leave for other parts of the Caribbean or Ireland. The bill provides some limited protection for the companies doing business in Puerto Rico , but very little protection for the people of Puerto Rico . It is because of these concerns that I support an economic incentive program such as that proposed by Governor Rosello. Chairman Archer has taken the first step by establishing a temporary economic incentive program that would replace section 936 with a wage credit. This should help to spur job creation on the island.