Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference in Solidarity with the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined House Democrats on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to stand in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following the humanitarian crisis in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria.  Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
 
“I just returned from a visit to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands along with Reps. Norma Torres and Anthony Brown as well as Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, and two of his colleagues. 

“In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Congresswoman Plaskett took us on a tour of St. Croix, where we saw homes destroyed, a school condemned, and a hospital severely limited in its ability to treat patients.

“From there, we continued on to Puerto Rico, where ours was the first bipartisan multi-member Congressional delegation to visit the island’s interior. What we saw in Puerto Rico was heartbreaking – families displaced; people without power or access to clean drinking water, food, or medications; roads and bridges washed out. 

“We came away from our visit even more determined than before to fight for our fellow citizens. In addition to the food and supplies we distributed, we also brought a message to the people of these islands: you are not alone, and we will not forget you.

“I was encouraged that Leader McCarthy and his Republican colleagues were with us to witness the devastation and the resilience of our fellow Americans working to rebuild. I believe we can work together in a bipartisan way to ensure that the affected areas receive the resources they need from Congress. Thousands of first responders, led by FEMA, and our men and women in the military have performed their jobs nobly.

“However, after seeing first-hand the devastation, it is clear that we can and must do more to help. In addition, we must rebuild to twenty-first century standards. I continue to call on President Trump to make certain that every possible federal resource is made available. We must do all we can – delay is not an option.”