Rep. Adriano Espaillat Introduces 10-point Plan for Puerto Rico Relief
Press Release
Today during a press conference with local officials and community leaders, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced his 10-point plan to address the current humanitarian crisis facing Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
"I witnessed the devastation and humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico firsthand," said Rep. Espaillat. "As I travelled throughout the area, I met dozens of emergency workers from various cities around our nation on their way to provide assistance to families in need. I met with Governor Ricardo Rossello and San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and discussed with them efforts currently underway and ways that the federal government and Congress can improve our response to address immediate and long-term goals to help rebuild.
"My 10-point plan was created following my assessment and as a solution to provide an immediate emergency relief package for the humanitarian crisis we are witnessing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is my hope that we, are members of Congress, will work together to find solutions quickly as the lives of U.S. citizens are at stake and the efforts to rebuild have remained encumbered."
Rep. Espaillat's 10-Point Plan for Puerto Rico calls for the following:
An immediate $20 billion emergency relief package for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
A hearing on Puerto Rico recovery efforts and Congressional Task Force to coordinate relief efforts
Permanent waiver of the Jones Act
Immediate deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier
Repair of telecommunications systems
Authorization of army engineers to repair hospital generators
Authorization of U.S. medical institutions to transport area children with life threatening conditions
Restoration of funding for municipalities in Puerto Rico
Deployment of truck drivers to help transport fuel, water, food, and medicine to families
Analysis and prevention of potential epidemics and public health crisis
During today's press conference, Rep. Espaillat was joined Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14), New York state and city elected officials and Puerto Rican leaders and advocates.
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