Hoyer Statement on the Reported Death Toll in Puerto Rico

December 8, 2017

CONTACT: Mariel Saez 202-225-3130

Hoyer Statement on the Reported Death Toll in Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on reports that the death toll in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria is over 1000 people:

"News that the death toll from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has reached at least 1,065 is deeply saddening and alarming. Puerto Ricans, who are our fellow American citizens, continue to face serious, life-threatening hardship after the storm as a result of inadequate access to medical care and from poor conditions in areas still without power or clean water. Many of these victims have been the elderly, and in some areas critical health care infrastructure - such as dialysis machines and ventilators - is still absent.

"This updated figure comes two months after President Trump insensitively claimed that Puerto Ricans ought to be 'very proud' that the death toll wasn't higher and after he said the storm was not 'a real catastrophe.' He ought to apologize to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Maria and take all the steps necessary to ensure that federal aid is getting to the places that need it, both in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Congress should also take action in the coming weeks on disaster relief. I urge Republicans to work with us to pass supplemental funding before the end of the year."