Rep. Soto Issues Statement on Flawed FEMA Meal Contract for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Darren Soto, D-Florida, issued the following statement following news that the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded, and later voided, a $156 million meal contract with Tribute Contracting to distribute food to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico:

"Millions of Puerto Ricans relied on FEMA for basic life necessities, such as food and water, after Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island.

"It is outrageous that flawed contracts and poor oversight by FEMA has led to millions of Americans not receiving meals on time during a time of crisis. A contract of this magnitude should have been awarded to an experienced, well-equipped company.

"We are seeing a troubling reoccurring pattern with FEMA's oversight of contracting procedures, from repairing the island's electrical grid to delaying food delivery assistance. It shows clear wrongdoing and inadequate preparation from the Trump Administration to respond to disasters. We need to hold this Administration accountable for the prolonged dire situation in Puerto Rico."