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Velázquez on Review of Death Toll in Puerto Rico

December 18, 2017

Velázquez on Review of Death Toll in Puerto Rico

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on news that the government of Puerto Rico will review and recount the number of people who died as a result of Hurricane Maria. Velázquez previously wrote to the Department of Homeland Security requesting an audit of the official death count and, last week, requested a Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis.

Velázquez's statement is as follows:

"This reevaluation of the death count in Puerto Rico is a welcome, necessary and overdue step. As I have said previously, the official death count on the Island seems unrealistically low. The American people and their elected officials need the full picture of the damage wrought by Maria to ensure the federal government responds adequately in assisting our fellow citizens living on the Island.

"While I am pleased the Governor is taking this step, I still believe an independent review is necessary given events to date. To that end, I will continue asking GAO to examine this issue."