After Hurricane Fiona tore through Puerto Rico last week, President Joe Biden said he was “laser-focused” on the crisis and pledged to do “everything, everything we can.”
Now, calls are mounting for Biden to waive a labor union-backed shipping rule that would speed fuel transport to the island, where the devastation has led to major power outages.
Despite Pierluisi’s plea, the White House said the decision is still under consideration and must pass legal muster. The Biden administration lifted the rule temporarily during a petroleum shortage last year but has not said whether it would support a waiver for Puerto Rico. Biden has long backed the Jones Act and has not indicated that his position has wavered. He issued a “Buy American” executive order that reiterated his strong support days after taking office.
There are obstacles, however, Biden’s Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, Deanne Criswell, told reporters on Tuesday, including “a legal obligation to ensure that each waiver request meets the legal requirements of Congress.”“This is a legal authority that we are following,” Jean-Pierre said, adding that the administration is “closely evaluating any waiver requests that come in.”
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