WASHINGTON (AP) – America’s first Treasury secretary says it’s time for Congress to help dig Puerto Rico out of its debt crisis. And if it will help make the case, he’s even got tickets to Broadway’s latest mega-hit.
Alexander Hamilton – actually Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the show “Hamilton” and plays Hamilton – told reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday that lawmakers must pass legislation that would let the U.S. territory restructure its $72 billion debt.
Miranda is a New Yorker whose parents were born in Puerto Rico. He says the island is facing a humanitarian crisis.
Legislation addressing the problem is bogged down in Congress.
He joked that if a “Hamilton” ticket would help, “I know a guy.”
On Monday, Miranda and cast-mates performed some of the show’s hit songs at the White House.