Raúl Grijalva: “Let me thank Chair Lowey and the Speaker for responding with urgency in bringing this legislation that I support, H.R.…”

“Let me thank Chair Lowey and the Speaker for responding with urgency in bringing this legislation that I support, H.R. 5687, to the floor to help the families of Puerto Rico who are enduring, once again, another natural disaster. Beginning on December 28, seismic activity began in Puerto Rico and continued to escalate, including a 6.4 earthquake. These quakes and ongoing quakes have destroyed homes, infrastructure, affected power generation, and triggered blackouts across the island. Close to 7,500 people have left their homes out of fear that they may collapse, seeking shelter wherever they can find it. Staff from the Natural Resources Committee investigated the damage caused by the earthquakes on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. In a committee report, we recommended high-priority actions, including emergency funding, which H.R. 5687 represents. The administration's recent statement opposing H.R. 5687 shows total disdain for the people of Puerto Rico. President Trump continues to lie to the American people about the amount of Federal funding spent to address natural disasters on the island. The President and his administration have a responsibility to ensure the people of Puerto Rico are treated as full Americans and not colonized subjects.…”