Velazquez Comments on Passage of Disaster Supplemental

Washington, D.C.­­ –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on House passage of Emergency Supplemental appropriations legislation, which includes funding for Puerto Rico.

"While I'm relieved Republicans finally saw reason and allowed this badly needed aid to move forward, it is shameful that it took so long to approve emergency assistance the House approved months ago. The funding included for Puerto Rico in this bill is desperately needed for our fellow citizens who have suffered tremendously for so long.

"I thank Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Chairwoman Lowey and Vice Chairman Leahy for their leadership and steadfast work in securing this result.

"Puerto Rico still has a long distance to travel in recovering not just from the 2017 hurricanes, but also from years of economic neglect. In coming months, I will be working with my colleagues on legislative items to address poverty and economic development in Puerto Rico, healthcare disparities affecting the Commonwealth and modernization of the Island's energy systems. In the meantime, passage of today's aid is a positive, albeit long overdue step."

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