CHC Responds to Humanitarian Crisis in Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands

Washington D.C. – Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) including Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), Rep. José E. Serrano (NY-15), Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (IL-04), Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), released the following statements in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Puerto Rico one week after it was struck by Hurricane Maria, the second hurricane to hit the Island in September:

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said, "The Trump Administration's response to the disaster in Puerto Rico is unacceptable. One of the strongest and most devastating storms to hit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands requires a rapid, coordinated and comprehensive disaster recovery response from the federal government and Congress. The full breadth of our nation's available resources and attention need to be focused on helping American citizens get the food, water and medical supplies they need to survive and recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. This was one of the most powerful storms to hit Puerto Rico in nearly a century. The lives of Americans are on the line with every passing second."

Rep. José E. Serrano (NY-15), said, "Puerto Rico is going through an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, that combined with the fiscal crisis it was already going through, has caused the island to essentially hit rock bottom. The 3.4 million American citizens residing on the island—many of whom live in poverty—are desperate for help. The federal government needs to take forceful and comprehensive action, including providing immediate, robust assistance to Puerto Rico. There is much to be done, and the federal government needs to step up to prevent this crisis from getting worse,"

Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (IL-04), said, "Puerto Rico has been in economic crisis for years. Five thousand people flee Puerto Rico every month, before two hurricanes hit, leaving behind many old, many young, the very sick, the very poor, and the very vulnerable. There is no food in supermarkets. We need an airlift. We need an effort the scale of Dunkirk. We know the U.S. is capable. We can invade foreign countries with hundreds of thousands of troops, flawless communications, food and security. We need the same effort now."

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), said, "In nearly every major conflict, Puerto Ricans have put their lives on the line for our country. They have shed blood in our wars—they are American citizens. If Congress and the Trump Administration fail to deploy every possible resource to help the people of Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria, history will judge our nation harshly. Millions of people lack electricity, shelter, food and water—the stakes could not be higher. I will continue to press for immediate and comprehensive relief across relevant federal agencies."

Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), said, "A humanitarian crisis is affecting 3.4 million fellow Americans in Puerto Rico. The island just faced a deadly Category 4 hurricane which caused massive flooding and crumbled infrastructure, making it difficult to deliver essential supplies to those in desperate need. Damage to the already sensitive infrastructure lead to a complete blackout on the island and left no cell service for families to check in on their loved ones. Reports estimate it could take months to get power back. This is unacceptable. Our American citizens are suffering and there is little sense of urgency coming from our government. We must stand with our brothers and sisters on the island during this extremely tragic moment. In Central Florida, we welcome all our fellow Boricuas in need with open arms. Estamos contigo, Puerto Rico."

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