The Fly-In | The Pride of Puerto Rico with Resident Commissioner Pablo Hernández

This week, Veasey and Landsman are joined by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (PR-AL), Puerto Rico’s sole elected representative in Congress, for a wide-ranging discussion on life and culture on the island. Hernández gives an overview of the unequal distribution of Medicaid and SNAP funds – which are provided via block grants to Puerto Rico – when compared to states, and the harm caused by Congressional Republicans’ cuts to these programs. The group also covers disaster relief, rising energy prices, and the ongoing debate about Puerto Rican statehood. The members wrap up by reacting to Trump’s refusal to strike a deal that would end the DHS shutdown in the clip of the week, and debate Ricky Martin versus Bad Bunny, coffee versus piña coladas, and more in a Would You Rather game. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newdemocratcoalition.substack.com