Sens. Menendez, Nelson, Gillibrand Warn of Public Health Crisis in Puerto Rico, Urge Health Dept. to Take Action
"Even before Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the
The senators stressed that much of the islands' power and communication networks are out and, according to the
At least 40 lives have been lost, and with scant resources, 100-degree temperatures, and abundant standing water increasing the breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitos, there is growing concern the death toll could rise without greater assistance.
"Given the devastation we described, we ask you to provide the necessary support to meet the immediate needs of
Sens. Menendez, Nelson and Gillibrand were joined in sending the letter by Sens.
The lawmakers urged the administration to provide not only immediate relief to the islands' but long-term relief as well, as the islands' begin to recover. Specifically, the letter requests necessary funding and emergency support for the islands' Medicaid programs along with assistance in coordinating and prioritizing electric restoration to hospitals, health clinics, nursing homes, and pharmacies.
As leading voices in
"While the territories' Medicaid programs received a one-time increase of
Since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, leaving behind historic devastation,
* Called for a long-term recovery and supplemental package on the Senate Floor while blasting the Administration for its lackluster response to the devastation on the island.
* Called for the President to use authority given to him under the Cold War-Era Defense Production Act to use
* Sent a letter with his
* Lead a coalition of Senators in writing to Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell urging them to bring up an emergency disaster supplemental bill to fund CDBG-DR,
* Sent a letter to
* Joined colleagues in sending a letter expressing deep concern about the situation in
The full text of the letter is follows and can be downloaded here (https://www.menendez.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2017.10.08_LetteronUSVIPRhealthcare_FinalSigned.pdf).
The Honorable
Acting Secretary
Dear Acting Secretary Wright:
We write today to request your support in ensuring the dire situation impacting 3.5 million Americans in
Even before Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the
Recent news reports show that the islands' power and communication networks remain nonfunctional. Only 17 of
Compounding these troubles, the
Moreover, the
While the territories' Medicaid programs received a one-time increase in federal funding to last through 2019, they are spending it at a faster rate than anticipated, with needs only expected to expand in the aftermath of these storms. For example, under this "Medicaid Cliff" Puerto Rico will be forced to revert to a lower
Given the devastation we described, we ask you to provide the necessary support to meet the immediate needs of
Furthermore, we encourage you to deploy individuals trained in disaster management of health care systems to coordinate with local officials and the
The challenges facing
Sincerely,
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