Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement on Biden Administration Decision to Release $1.3 Billion to Help Puerto Rico Rebuild After Hurricane Maria

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following news release:

The Biden Administration has authorized $1.3 billion in aid for Puerto Rico to help protect against future climate disasters. Restrictions on another $4.9 billion are being eased. The move comes more than three years after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. In response to the announcement, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and CHC Members Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) issued the following statement:

CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36):

"The people of Puerto Rico are American Citizens, and our government must provide the federal aid needed for the island to make a full recovery," said Chairman Ruiz. "I am relieved that Puerto Rico is finally receiving the money that Congress allocated years ago, soon after Hurricane Maria made landfall. Though Puerto Rico still has a long road to recovery and is managing the COVID-19 outbreak, this is a step in the right direction. Puerto Rico's geographic location makes it a vulnerable target for natural disasters, and we must protect the people and precious landmarks to prevent further damage. I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for relieving much-needed aid for Puerto Rico. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus looks forward to continuing to work with the Administration to help Puerto Rico rebuild."

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (NY-07):

"After advocating tirelessly for the release of these federal recovery funds after Hurricane Maria, I am deeply grateful that President Biden and HUD have made this a priority in their first few weeks in office," said Congresswoman Velazquez. "These funds are long overdue and were arbitrarily held up under the previous Administration which routinely devalued Puerto Rican lives. This funding will go a long way towards rebuilding a more sustainable Puerto Rico and improving the lives of those on the island."

Congressman Darren Soto (FL-15):

"After Congressman Torres and I sent a letter to the Biden Administration regarding the release of federal funds to Puerto Rico, our fellow Americans are finally getting the respect and relief they deserve," said Congressman Soto. "Hurricanes Irma and Maria, exacerbated by a cluster of earthquakes in 2020, devastated Puerto Rico's infrastructure and created critical deficiencies in its energy sector. Now, as their fragile healthcare system grapples with COVID-19, getting Puerto Rico the relief they deserve has never been more urgent. I'm thankful to the Biden Administration for keeping its promise and making the Island's recovery a top priority. These funds will be critical for rebuilding infrastructure to modern standards and revitalizing Puerto Rico's economic development. Going forward, I hope to continue to work with President Biden and go further in aiding our fellow Americans by addressing the Island's political status."

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14):

"Puerto Rico suffered the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Maria more than three years ago and it is still struggling to rebuild," said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. "The cruel decisions made by the Trump Administration to withhold aid, placing burdensome restrictions not seen in any other U.S. jurisdictions with comparable catastrophe, meant that families continued living with blue tarps as roofs and the island could not make the necessary improvements to face additional climate disasters. I am pleased to see the Biden-Harris Administration take the necessary steps to ensure this critical aid reaches Puerto Rico--it is long overdue."

Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15):

"The new Biden-Harris Administration ushers in welcomed changes that will put Puerto Rico on a path towards recovery and revitalization," said Congressman Torres. "The pandemic has devastated Puerto Rico's economy and thousands are struggling to make ends meet. After years of blocked access to federal funds, Puerto Rico is going to receive the resources it needs to recover from natural disasters and COVID19. Puerto Ricans are American citizens who have been left behind by their government just because they live on the island. It is unacceptable, and we must do what we can to bring relief and resources to Puerto Rico. Ensuring equal access to federal resources, and the money that Congress has already allocated, will help Puerto Ricans put food on their tables and ease the financial pressures families are facing. I applaud the new Administration for taking the important step of releasing aid to Puerto Rico and I will be a partner in the ongoing work to help the island rebuild and recover."