Rep. Serrano Responds to Republican Disaster Supplemental

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Jose E. Serrano, D-New York, issued the following statement in response to the release of the Republican disaster supplemental:

"Although I appreciate the majority's willingness to go well beyond what the Trump Administration requested, it does not go far enough to ensure that Puerto Rico can comprehensively rebuild in a sustainable manner.

"By leaving in place numerous local cost-share requirements, the legislation puts an onerous burden on an already cash-strapped government on the island. This will make it difficult to access funds. The bill also does nothing to address the looming Medicaid cliff, which will devastate access to health care in Puerto Rico. Although the bill does make progress on the Administration's request in a number of areas- like doubling funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) from what was requested- the majority left much undone elsewhere.

"In addition, the legislation does little for the many states, including New York and Florida, who have opened their arms to welcome displaced individuals and families from Puerto Rico. Previous disaster supplementals have essentially held states harmless for the costs of welcoming displaced individuals and helping them access health care, education, and housing. This legislation only includes funding for one part of that commitment."

"It is also troubling that the legislation attempts to reopen PROMESA and provide the Oversight Board with new powers and responsibilities. This is unnecessary - the Board already has significant powers to help oversee the federal funding the island will receive- it does not need more.

"Had Republicans chosen to work with Democrats, we could have produced a supplemental that all of us could be proud of. Instead, we are left with another partisan quagmire that shows the inability of the majority to govern in a responsible manner. The only people who will suffer as a result of this inadequate legislation are those already hurting in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and elsewhere."