Jenniffer González-Colón serves as the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, a position she has held since her initial election to the 115th Congress in 2017. Born on August 5, 1976, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, González-Colón has an extensive educational background, earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puerto Rico, a Juris Doctor from Inter American University, and an L.L.M. from the same institution. Before her congressional career, she was active in local politics as a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from 2002 to 2016, where she served as Speaker from 2009 to 2012 and then as Minority Leader.
In addition to her congressional duties, González-Colón has held significant leadership roles within the Republican Party, including the position of chair of the Puerto Rico Republican Party since 2015.
During her tenure in Congress, she has championed several legislative initiatives, many of which focus on the unique needs and challenges faced by Puerto Rico. Notably, she sponsored the TRICARE Equality Act (HB254), which aims to provide equitable treatment of TRICARE Prime availability in Puerto Rico, making it similar to provisions available in the states. The bill further facilitates necessary travel allowances for military personnel in Puerto Rico seeking specialty medical care.
González-Colón's legislative agenda also includes immigration reform, as demonstrated by her support for the American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 (HB16), which provides a pathway to permanent resident status for certain non-U.S. nationals. Additionally, she has advocated for economic development through legislation such as the Puerto Rico Film, Television, and Theatre Production Act (HB376), which extends tax benefits to media productions based in Puerto Rico.
Furthermore, she has engaged in efforts to address disaster relief and recovery, exemplified by her support for the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act (HB255), aimed at improving FEMA's efficiency in response to disasters affecting Puerto Rico. Her focus on local needs extends to education and health through bills like the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act (HB256), addressing federal assistance limitations for residents of Puerto Rico.
González-Colón has also co-sponsored the Fort San Germo Preservation Act (HB359), which seeks to preserve Puerto Rico's historical sites as part of the National Park System, demonstrating her commitment to cultural heritage and tourism.
In terms of her political leanings, González-Colón's legislative priorities often reflect traditional Republican values, particularly in her advocacy for federalism, economic development through reduced regulations, and ensuring equitable treatment of Puerto Rico in federal legislation. Her support for military and veterans' issues underscores her alignment with national security perspectives, while her involvement in immigration reform shows a nuanced approach to social issues, balancing party lines with the local population's needs.
González-Colón has been re-elected for a second term, continuing her advocacy on behalf of Puerto Rico's residents and focusing on significant reforms that can impact both local and national policy contexts. Currently, she is positioned to assume the role of Governor of Puerto Rico upon her resignation from Congress in early 2025, marking a new chapter in her political career. Her dedication to the people of Puerto Rico remains evident through her active legislative participation and leadership within both state and national platforms.