Larson: More Must be Done To Help Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), released the following statement after voting against the Disaster Supplemental Spending that passed the House today.

"Yesterday marked the third month since Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, causing widespread destruction. In the aftermath, the lagging response to restore access to basic needs contributed to a troubling spike in post-hurricane deaths, and nearly 35 percent of the island still lacks access to power. Just weeks earlier, Governor Ricardo Rossello requested $94 billion to rebuild the critical infrastructure, housing, schools and hospitals devastated by the storm. This effort will take serval years and Puerto Rico is unable to do it on its own."

"In addition, considering the recovery efforts in the US Virgin Islands, Florida, Texas and the wildfires that are still raging in California, it is clear that significantly more help is needed than what was brought up today. After already undercutting Puerto Rico's economy in the GOP tax reform, this bill sends a wrong message to our fellow Americans in need. Congress needs to step-up to the plate and meet Puerto Rico at the point of its need. I will continue to press the congressional leaders to address the supplemental funding in more adequate means," said Larson.