Hoyer Statement on the Six-Month Anniversary of Hurricane Maria Making Landfall in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2018
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Maria making landfall in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
“Six months ago, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, the residents of these islands, who are American citizens, are still struggling to rebuild and restore even basic services. Years from now, people will look back on this disaster and ask why the federal government didn’t do more to help – or help more quickly. Though Congress has now passed three emergency supplemental appropriations bills to provide assistance, there’s more work to be done. Restoring power to the thousands still without electricity must remain the top priority.
“In addition to allocating more resources, Congress ought to take steps to help Puerto Ricans and Virgin Islanders rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in a way that is more resilient. Amending the Stafford Act is a critical step toward ensuring that future storms won’t be as devastating, and it’s one I believe strongly that the Congress should take.
“When I visited Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in October as a leader of bipartisan delegation, I saw damage that was heartbreaking. But I also saw resilience that was uplifting. I will continue to draw inspiration from the families I met on that visit as I keep fighting – alongside Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Stacey Plaskett, José Serrano, Luis Gutiérrez, Darren Soto, and others deeply engaged in recovery efforts – to help the people of these islands move forward and rebuild stronger.”
“Six months ago, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, the residents of these islands, who are American citizens, are still struggling to rebuild and restore even basic services. Years from now, people will look back on this disaster and ask why the federal government didn’t do more to help – or help more quickly. Though Congress has now passed three emergency supplemental appropriations bills to provide assistance, there’s more work to be done. Restoring power to the thousands still without electricity must remain the top priority.
“In addition to allocating more resources, Congress ought to take steps to help Puerto Ricans and Virgin Islanders rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in a way that is more resilient. Amending the Stafford Act is a critical step toward ensuring that future storms won’t be as devastating, and it’s one I believe strongly that the Congress should take.
“When I visited Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in October as a leader of bipartisan delegation, I saw damage that was heartbreaking. But I also saw resilience that was uplifting. I will continue to draw inspiration from the families I met on that visit as I keep fighting – alongside Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Stacey Plaskett, José Serrano, Luis Gutiérrez, Darren Soto, and others deeply engaged in recovery efforts – to help the people of these islands move forward and rebuild stronger.”