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Rep. Velázquez Introduces Resolution on 4th Anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s Landfall in Puerto Rico & USVI

September 20, 2021

Rep. Velázquez Introduces Resolution on 4th Anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s Landfall in Puerto Rico & USVI

Washington, D.C. –Today, on the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced a House resolution reaffirming Congress' commitment to helping to restore the islands to their full potential. Hurricane Maria was the second deadliest storm in recorded history in the United States, and over 3,000 people lost their lives. In the Senate, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NY) has introduced a companion resolution.

"Four years ago, the lives of Puerto Ricans and those with ties to the island changed forever," said Rep. Velázquez. "More than three thousand perished not only because of a natural disaster but also as a direct result of political mismanagement by the Trump administration. This resolution is about honoring those lost, but also looking forward and reaffirming the commitment of the federal government to do right by the people of Puerto Rico. From parity in federal benefits to ensuring recovery funds are reaching those in need, there still is much more work to be done."

"Hurricane Maria was one of the most devastating weather phenomena to impact the United States, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life and long-lasting damage to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands' infrastructure," said Sen. Menendez. "The impact of this unprecedented natural tragedy was further exacerbated by the human-made tragedy of Trump's administration heartless response. This resolution recognizes what millions of American citizens went through four years ago, and what many continue to endure, and reaffirms the federal government's responsibility to support our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as they continue working to restore the islands to their full potential."

The House resolution is online here.

The resolution is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives: Adriano Espaillat, Jerrold Nadler, Ritchie Torres, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Darren Soto, Albio Sires, and Raúl Grijalva.