House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued statements today in support of helping Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
“The stories and images coming out of Puerto Rico are devastating,” Ryan said in a prepared statement. “Congress is working with the administration to ensure necessary resources get to the U.S. territory. Our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico remain in our prayers as we make sure they have what they need.”
Embed from Getty Images
The Pelosi statement also referenced the U.S. citizenship of Puerto Ricans and the close ties between the Caribbean islands and the rest of the United States. ““Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands deserve to know that their government will be there for them, without question or hesitation. ”
“Americans from every corner of the country send our thoughts and prayers to those in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been devastated by the unprecedented and catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Maria,” she added.
The House’s highest ranking Democrat ended with a call for action. “The Trump Administration must act immediately to make available additional Department of Defense resources for search-and-rescue operations, law enforcement and transportation needs. At the same time, Republicans must join with Democrats in Congress to address the needs of the communities in crisis by swiftly passing a robust relief package that provides assistance not only today, but throughout the long road to recovery.”
