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House approves $13.18 billion general‑fund budget after daylong debate
Summary
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved the FY2027 general‑fund budget (Resolución Conjunta de la Cámara 356) totaling about $13.18 billion after extended presentation, targeted amendments and defeat of a floor amendment to redirect $9.5 million for municipal water emergencies.
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved Resolución Conjunta de la Cámara 356 — the FY2027 general‑fund budget — on June 22, 2026, after a full day of presentations and floor debate.
Representative Edy Charlbonel, president of the House Committee on Hacienda, presented the budget, describing a general‑fund total of about $13.18 billion and an overall government funding envelope he cited at roughly $33 billion when special and federal funds are included. Charlbonel said the committee held 14 public hearings with 46 government entities and identified priorities including education (about 27% of the general fund), health (about 14%), public safety and allocations for the University of Puerto Rico and municipal assistance. He told the chamber the budget includes contingency reserves to address a potential 'Medicaid cliff.'
Lawmakers on both sides pressed for reallocations and raised sectoral concerns. Representative Grechenha proposed a floor amendment to reserve $9.5 million for municipal responses to the potable‑water crisis (distribution, equipment rental and logistics); members voted the amendment down after a division (14 in favor, 18 opposed according to the floor call for division). Many speakers criticized specific shifts and reductions (education special services, emergency services, and certain municipal allocations) while others defended the budget as a balanced and certified step needed to meet fiscal oversight requirements.
Supporters argued the measure balances fiscal responsibility with social investments and sought certification by the Financial Oversight Board; critics said the budget reflects priorities imposed by the Board and underfunds urgent public services. The budget passed the House on voice and subsequent final votes recorded in the session; a roll‑call tally for the final budget vote is not included in the provided transcript. The House also approved a large number of calendar bills and conference reports, then recessed until June 23, 2026.
Next steps: the resolution and any pending amendments proceed according to legislative calendar and required certifications with the oversight board.
