BLUMENTHAL DECRIES LACK OF LEADERSHIP IN PUERTO RICO RESPONSE

Contact: Maria McElwain (202) 224-6452

October 24, 2017

BLUMENTHAL DECRIES LACK OF LEADERSHIP IN PUERTO RICO RESPONSE

"The President of the United States gives himself a 10. I agree, he deserves a 10 - if the grading scale is 1 to 100."

[WASHINGTON, DC] - Today on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) denounced the federal response to Puerto Rico's ongoing humanitarian crisis as a "failing" lack of leadership, and called on his Senate colleagues to fulfill their obligation to the American citizens suffering in the wake of massive hurricane destruction. Blumenthal's speech took place as the Senate was expected to vote to approve an emergency supplemental aid package for disaster-struck regions, which Blumenthal called "too little, too late."

"The pittance in this supplemental for Puerto Rico is the least we can do - in fact, it is less than the least we can do, because it actually adds to the debt that Puerto Rico now has," said Blumenthal.

"This measure must be followed by stronger, more robust steps," Blumenthal continued. "Real investment, real rebuilding. That's what's necessary for Puerto Rico. The voices and faces of our fellow Americans there come to us clearly through my friends and neighbors in Connecticut who have joined with me in this call for action - for real action, and real rebuilding, and real investment - much more than this short term down payment which will shortchange the island if we do no more."

Blumenthal also expressed gratitude for the courageous efforts of National Guard members, including the Connecticut National Guard, as well as volunteers who have gone to great lengths to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria's destruction.

Video of Blumenthal's full floor speech is available for download at https://lfts.senate.gov/seos/1000/mpd/ui09112017037b18322d6958280f52b573dfbda040