Smucker Statement on Puerto Rico Relief Efforts

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today issued the following statement regarding Puerto Rico relief efforts and called for federal cost sharing to be extended from six months to one full year:

"Puerto Rico is home to nearly 3.5 million American citizens. Reports and images from the island display a humanitarian crisis that requires our full and undivided attention. I am thankful that the federal government has already stepped in to provide immediate relief and has deployed resources to help feed, clothe, and house those who lost everything.

"Our Congressional District is home to more than 72,000 Puerto Ricans. For many of our neighbors, this terrible event has a personal impact. It is critical that federal resources are used efficiently and effectively to support Americans impacted by this disaster. That is why I sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Elaine Duke asking her to extend federal cost sharing from six months to one full year, and to brief Congress on relief efforts as soon as practicable.

"This process of rebuilding will be an ongoing effort. I've been in regular contact with the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon, about the needs on the island. I've also reached out to House leadership and members on both sides of the aisle with sizable Puerto Rican populations to discuss how we can all work together to assist."

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