Velázquez, Sen. Menendez Introduce Resolution on 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s Landfall in Puerto Rico & USVI

Washington, D.C. –Today, on the fifth 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.

"Five 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 reaffirming the commitment of the federal government to do right for the island. Due to the recent landfall of Hurricane Fiona, the people of Puerto Rico are once again forced to face the devastating effects of a hurricane. While we continue to reflect on this solemn anniversary, we must work to fix the challenges that plague the island such as the failing electrical grid and a lack of full parity in federal benefits. I will continue to ensure under the Biden Administration, FEMA and other federal agencies need to work together to help rebuild the island's infrastructure to be more sustainable and withstand future storms."

"As we remember those who lost everything during Hurricane Maria five years ago today, one of the most devastating weather phenomena to affect the United States, my heart breaks for the people of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic following the landfall of Hurricane Fiona," said Sen. Menendez. "This most recent storm demonstrates why the United States must do everything in its power to support our fellow Americans on the island as they find themselves yet again having to rebuild during great uncertainty for the future. The people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands deserve to know that the full force of the federal government stands behind them as they work to build a stronger, more sustainable future for all. Unfortunately, we are just beginning to grapple with the extent of Hurricane Fiona's damages. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. My colleagues and I stand ready to support the people of Puerto Rico with urgent resources and critical funding."

The House resolution is online here.

The resolution is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives: Ritchie Torres, Jesús 'Chuy' García, Jake Auchincloss, Darren Soto, Gwen Moore, Val Demings, Alma Adams, Adriano Espaillat

In the Senate this resolution is cosponsored by Senators: Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn,), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).