Political Quotes

“Hurricanes Irma and Maria have wreaked havoc on the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and numerous Caribbean nations. Although the full extent of the two hurricanes' impact has yet to be assessed, it is clear that the damage from these storms is unparalleled. The people of the Virgin Islands have lost their homes and possessions. Business has been lost, along with hospitals, schools, and utility systems. In the coming months, I ask that all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle approve the full amount of funding and support needed for short- and long-term relief. For example, tomorrow, the Energy and Commerce Committee will consider legislation to extend the Children's Health Insurance Program for 5 years. I ask my colleagues to remember the people and children of the Virgin Islands. Just over one-third of the children of the Virgin Islands lived below the poverty level even prior to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. After the hurricanes, our antipoverty needs will grow exponentially. We need Medicaid and CHIP provisions to provide the Virgin Islands with additional funding and higher rates of Federal matching funds so that poor Americans and children in the Virgin Islands can remain covered. This, in addition to further changes to Federal program requirements, will help the Virgin Islands with the resources it needs to build.…”