§2196 Congressional Task Force on Economic Growth in Puerto Rico

Summary

Creates a Congressional Task Force on Economic Growth in Puerto Rico inside Congress. It has eight members: four from the House and four from the Senate. Each chamber’s leaders pick two majority and two minority members, working with the chairs or ranking members of two named committees. All appointments must be made not later than 15 days after June 30, 2016. The Speaker names the chair, and any vacancies are filled the same way. The Task Force must use existing House and Senate staff and facilities and gets no extra money. It ends when it issues the report required under subsection (f)(1). Between September 1 and September 15, 2016, the Task Force must give a status update to both Houses with information it has collected and any urgent matters the chair wants Congress to consider. By December 31, 2016, it must give a final report to both Houses about federal law and program barriers to Puerto Rico’s growth (including access to federal health care), recommended federal changes to boost long-term growth, job creation, reduce child poverty, and attract investment, the economic effect of Puerto Rico’s Department of Health Administrative Order No. 346 (or similar rules) on natural products and supplements, and any other relevant information. The report should reflect the shared views of all eight members when possible but may include dissenting views. The Task Force may hold hearings (at least one in Puerto Rico) and must consult Puerto Rico’s legislature, its Department of Economic Development and Commerce, and the private sector.