Seven Ways Congress Can Help Solve Puerto Rico's Debt Crisis

As Puerto Rico's $73 billion in debt continues to swell and the country approaches a cash crunch, U.S. lawmakers are expanding the list of tools they may use to help the commonwealth.

The island, which already defaulted on some of its payments in August and September, is facing a $354 million debt payment on Dec. 1. The chart below, released by Puerto Rico's governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, shows the government's estimate that it may run out of money next month, even after "extraordinary" measures such as liquidating securities holdings.

The White House has made it clear it won't bail out the commonwealth and Congress isn't willing to hand it money to fill this year's funding gap. Still, lawmakers are trying to put together some solutions for a bill which would help Puerto Rico recover over the long term.

Here's what such legislation might include: