Planning Ahead in a Riskier Fiscal Environment

Puerto Rico’s access to emergency federal support may be entering a more uncertain fiscal environment. Rising national debt—projected to increase by as much as $4.1 trillion over the next decade—will likely tighten discretionary budgets and make supplemental aid harder to secure.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) adds to these fiscal pressures by locking in certain funding structures while reshaping long-term priorities. For Puerto Rico, that combination increases the risk that supplemental benefits and disaster-related flexibility—vital during Hurricane María and the COVID-19 pandemic—will be less available in future crises.

Why This Matters for Puerto Rico

In past emergencies, Congress has approved special appropriations and program expansions that kept food, healthcare, and recovery resources flowing. In a higher-debt environment, however, that type of funding could be:

• Delayed, as debates over offsets slow action.

• More restrictive, with narrower eligibility rules.

• More competitive, as states and territories vie for limited relief dollars.

  
  

The Congressional Budget Office warns that higher interest payments on the debt reduce flexibility for future emergency spending—putting territories like Puerto Rico at a disadvantage.

Steps for Organizations During This Fiscal Environment

For Astra’s nonprofit, public health, and advocacy partners, this is a moment to:

1. Plan Conservatively – Assume that disaster-era expansions may not repeat.

2. Diversify Funding – Build partnerships with philanthropic and private-sector backers.

3. Engage Early – Maintain relationships with federal decision-makers before the next crisis.

   
   

Additional resources:

• FEMA Grants Portal – Apply for disaster assistance.

• USDA Disaster Nutrition Assistance – Understand emergency food program options.

  
  

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