One of Jaxport’s main trading partners is on the verge of an economic collapse.
If Congress doesn’t act, Puerto Rico will begin to default on its debt payments, in just a couple of days, on May 1.
Many call Jaxport the heart of Jacksonville’s economy. Large ships deliver goods, in and out of the port, like clockwork, pumping billions of dollars into the River City, every year.
Jaxport leaders say as much as 75 percent of the goods coming in and out of Puerto Rico flow through Jaxport.
That trade relationship could end, because Puerto Rico owes $422 million.
“If Puerto Rico misses the payment on May 1st, and its debt crisis further escalates, its economy is going to go down more than it already has, and the harm will be passed down to communities like Jacksonville,” said Fla. Sen. Marco Rubio.
Rubio brought this huge issue to the Senate Floor Wednesday, strongly urging something to be done to help Puerto Rico and its 3.5 million American citizens.
“All of us need to realize that this is an American crisis, it is taking place in an American territory,” said Rubio.
Rubio believes the United States should assist Puerto Rico financially, but also urge the leaders of Puerto Rico to get things in order.
“We can’t ignore this crisis, neither can the leaders in San Juan, I hope we can find a solution sooner than later,” said Rubio.
A resolution or plan to help Puerto Rico has not been reached.
Trending on ActionNewsJax.com:
- Transgender teen fights for new home
- 1 dead, 2 missing in boating accident in Brunswick
- Crocodile drags camper from tent while he was sleeping
- Lawyer: Engine and battery off before Florida teens' boat capsized
- Purple fence causing commotion in Mandarin neighborhood
Cox Media Group
