Hoyer Statement on Reported Death Toll in Puerto Rico
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
May 29, 2018
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on reports that the death toll in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria is over 4,600 people:
“Reports that more than 4,645 Americans died as a result of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, contrary to the Trump Administration’s official number of sixty-four, are deeply alarming and upsetting. That many of these deaths were preventable and due to inadequate provision of emergency resources and medical care is even more disturbing. Each one of these deaths represents a family suffering loss and heartbreak. The stories that have emerged about families trying to cope with the devastation of their homes and livelihoods compounded by the loss of a family member – sometimes multiple family members – have been gut-wrenching.
“When I visited Puerto Rico in the hurricane’s aftermath, I saw with my own eyes the utter devastation wrought by the storm, and I saw as well how hard Puerto Ricans were working to make up for a lack of aid from the mainland. The Trump Administration ought to remember that these are our fellow Americans, and we must do everything we can to help Puerto Ricans and U.S. Virgin Islanders rebuild, just as we assisted Floridians and Texans who were impacted by the storms. With the next storm season on our doorstep, we must ensure that all resources are in place to respond to the next disaster appropriately.”
“Reports that more than 4,645 Americans died as a result of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, contrary to the Trump Administration’s official number of sixty-four, are deeply alarming and upsetting. That many of these deaths were preventable and due to inadequate provision of emergency resources and medical care is even more disturbing. Each one of these deaths represents a family suffering loss and heartbreak. The stories that have emerged about families trying to cope with the devastation of their homes and livelihoods compounded by the loss of a family member – sometimes multiple family members – have been gut-wrenching.
“When I visited Puerto Rico in the hurricane’s aftermath, I saw with my own eyes the utter devastation wrought by the storm, and I saw as well how hard Puerto Ricans were working to make up for a lack of aid from the mainland. The Trump Administration ought to remember that these are our fellow Americans, and we must do everything we can to help Puerto Ricans and U.S. Virgin Islanders rebuild, just as we assisted Floridians and Texans who were impacted by the storms. With the next storm season on our doorstep, we must ensure that all resources are in place to respond to the next disaster appropriately.”