DeLauro Statement on Hurricane Fiona, Puerto Rico Power Outages

Press Release

Chair of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released a statement on Hurricane Fiona and the ongoing power outages in Puerto Rico.

"First, I want to extend my strong support and deepest condolences to the people of Puerto Rico, many of whom have been injured, displaced, or tragically lost as result of Hurricane Fiona.

"Over one million Puerto Ricans are without power because of the damage caused by the storm. We must act swiftly to get them the resources they need to recover. My staff and I are in close contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The FEMA Administrator was in Puerto Rico this week meeting with the Governor and other officials while the Agency is coordinating the Federal response and assessing damage to determine what will be needed to support their recovery.

"I witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Maria firsthand, and the devastating conditions residents were forced to endure. We must avoid the mistakes of the previous Administration's response to that storm five years ago. I am urging FEMA to be a strong partner to Puerto Rico as it begins its recovery. I and my colleagues here in the House will be with Puerto Rico for the long haul as it recovers from this devasting storm."

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