“In January, one of the first acts of the Democratic-led House was to provide relief to communities recovering from natural disasters, but the Republican-controlled Senate has failed to do its part and pass a bill. That’s outrageous, given how so many of our fellow citizens are enduring hardship and waiting for Congress to take action to help. We cannot ignore this issue.

“That’s why the House is taking action again today to pass a disaster relief supplemental appropriations bill. This legislation builds on what we passed in January by including additional funding to address the devastating floods in the Midwest and the deadly tornadoes that struck Southern states. It also provides critical funding to other communities devastated by natural disasters, including Puerto Rico, which is still struggling to rebuild.

“I am deeply concerned that the President and his Administration may be deliberately slow-walking assistance to Puerto Rico. For the President vocally to oppose aid to American citizens is inexcusable. Contrary to what President Trump keeps repeating, Puerto Rico has not received ‘$91 billion’ in disaster recovery. Not even half that amount has been appropriated by Congress.  While $12.6 billion has been spent so far to help the people of that island recover and rebuild, much more is needed.  It has been twenty months since Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, and far too many of our fellow Americans on that island are struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. They need help, not political attacks based on falsehoods.

“I strongly urge Republicans to join us in making a strong, bipartisan statement in favor of Americans coming together to help each other in the aftermath of natural disasters, no matter where they live.  Once it passes, I urge the Senate to take up this bill and send it to the President without any further delay.”