University of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico would have to have a vibrant economy and a stable government that is fiscally sound, said Rep. Rob Bishop.

A probe into possible wrongdoing prompted Gov. Ricardo Rosselló to jettison five staffers, weakening his administration at a critical juncture in the commonwealth's debt restructuring.

The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico approved the plan by a 6-1 vote Thursday after negotiations with the commonwealth’s government failed.

Matosantos' ownership of renewable energy businesses on the island is said to conflict with responsibility overseeing PREPA.

The board may choose to approve its own version of the plan by April 20, setting up a legal and political fight for control of the Puerto Rico government.

The vote came as Gov. Rossello said his fiscal plan will not accede to board demands.

Rosselló says that Rep. Rob Bishop is placing the needs of the bondholders over those of Puerto Rico residents.

Other Puerto Rico officials joined Gov. Ricardo Rosselló in resisting the board's demands for austerity

Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop complained that "intentional misinterpretations" of the "PROMESA" law may mean U.S. promises to Puerto Rico will take "decades" to fulfill.

Rosselló said PROMESA allows the Oversight Board to make public policy recommendations, but not to order labor law reforms and pension cuts.