By The Star Staff
House Speaker Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez ended the extraordinary session Wednesday that outgoing Gov. Pedro Rafael Pierluisi Urrutia had convened because of disagreements among New Progressive Party lawmakers. “With great prudence and respect, a reasonable space was provided to allow parties to reach common ground. Having not agreed on the calendar and the measures under consideration, we will continue the transition work,” Hernández Montañez said.
The outgoing House leader indicated that the House had fulfilled its constitutional duty to heed the governor’s call. However, given the lack of consensus, he ended the session “sine die.”
Incoming Governor Jennifer Gonzalez objected to the session and told her NPP lawmakers to abstain from voting on the measures. The extraordinary session closed at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11. Extraordinary sessions last up to 21 days.
Hernández Montañez wished the next administration the best of success, noting that it must address public policy changes in January once the new four-year term begins.
The governor convened a special session to address 10 measures. Hernández Montañez explained that Senate Bill 1497 had not reached the House; House Bill 2197, filed on October 3, received its first reading but is not an urgent matter. In addition, House Joint Resolution 696 —approved in June— is pending action in the Senate. Other bills, such as House Bill 2199, filed on December 5, were also read but are not urgent bills.
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