Washington, DC
The Honorable Richard Neal
Disaster Supplemental Statement
October 13, 2017
I rise in support of the disaster supplemental because it provides critical funds to help rebuild communities in the U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico. Although I support this bill, I am concerned it is not enough. For example, it fails to provide funds for Community Development Block Grants, critical health care needs, Social Services Block Grants and public housing assistance.
We need to assure people in these devastated areas Congress will stand with them in the short and long term—provide comfort and immediate needs now and also funds to rebuild infrastructure and restore and strengthen their economy that will sustain well into the future.
As these funds are dispersed, it is imperative they are managed responsibly so storm victims don’t become targets of shady outsiders or crooked business owners.
This week, President Trump once again let down the people of Puerto Rico by announcing he plans to prematurely pull the military, FEMA and other critical agency support from the island. This approach is irresponsible and dangerous. The island and its people are still fragile and need to rebuild, not be burdened with further anxiety and uncertainty.
