Murphy to Lead Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Puerto Rico

Press Release

On Sunday, January 19 , US Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) Will lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to Puerto Rico to examine the damage and disruption caused by the recent earthquakes and speak with island residents who have been affected. The delegation, which includes Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico) and Reps. Donna Shalala (D-Fla.) And Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Will also receive briefings from federal officials, Puerto Rico officials, and local mayors about the ongoing recovery efforts. The purpose of the visit is to learn what Puerto Rico needs from the federal government in order to recover and rebuild.

"From Hurricane Maria to these recent earthquakes, our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico have been strong and resilient in the face of adversity. They need to know that the federal government has their back, " said Murphy . "As someone who represents more individuals of Puerto Rican heritage than nearly any other Member of Congress, and who believes in true equality for Puerto Rico, I want to make sure that the island is swiftly receiving all of the resources it needs."

"It's imperative to bring my Congressional colleagues to see first-hand the impact and continuing needs of their fellow American citizens in the island in order to expedite the resources for Puerto Rico's recovery. For the same reasons that over 100 Members from both sides of the aisle needed to visit us in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, it is imperative now for me to go beyond words and bring them here to see and hear what people are going through, " said González-Colón. "I thank Representatives Murphy, Shalala and Posey for always supporting Puerto Rico, not only following these ongoing earthquakes and aftershocks, but each and every time we have called upon them." "

The earthquakes that recently struck Puerto Rico are the latest of many challenges the island has faced in recent years, " said Shalala. "Throughout these difficult times, our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico have often been treated as second-class citizens. That is unacceptable. I'm traveling to the affected areas to find out how Congress can help to make sure these communities can begin rebuilding their lives as soon as possible. "

" It's important to see first-hand how recovery efforts are going so Congress knows how best to assist the government of Puerto Rico in their recovery efforts, " said Posey. "The earthquake complicates the road to recovery from last season's hurricanes. I know that many friends and family on the mainland are already providing assistance and want to do more. That is encouraging and we hope that our visit will reassure those in Puerto Rico that we are full partners in their recovery. "

Last week, Murphy, González-Colón, Shalala, Posey, and other members of the Florida congressional delegation sent a letter to President Trump urging the President to issue a major disaster declaration for Puerto Rico, which would make available a wide range of federal assistance for individuals and communities impacted by the earthquakes. President Trump issued that declaration today.