Larson Statement on the Anniversary of Hurricane Maria

Hartford, CT – Today marks one year since Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement:

"It has been one year since Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the islands are still in a state of disrepair. The Trump Administration has failed our country's citizens.

"Recovery has been slow and repairs have been inadequate, leaving the island and it's infrastructure vulnerable to another storm at the peak of hurricane season. While I have advocated for disaster relief funding, I've also called for a robust and coordinated disaster response—something that is still clearly needed. In Connecticut, more than 1,500 miles away from the island we welcomed as many as 13,000 evacuees, some of whom are still in hotels and shelters. I cannot praise the State of Connecticut, the volunteer organizations, and the community enough for their ongoing effort to care for and house the displaced residents of Puerto Rico. However, the federal government's response to this disaster has been an abject failure that this Administration should be ashamed of.

"The death toll could be more than 4,600 whether or not this Administration wants to acknowledge it. I repeat the call for this Administration to step up and do what's needed to help the islands recover and prepare for the next storm."

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