Rep. Soto, Members of Congress Request Support for Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands from Federal Government

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darren Soto authored letters today requesting the White House, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), to provide additional support for the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as the Caribbean begins to recover from catastrophic natural disasters. All three letters were signed by a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, including South Florida's Cuban-American delegation, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rican representatives.

"While still recovering from Hurricane Irma, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were devastated by Hurricane Maria," the letter states. "We anticipate continued devastation due to the widespread flooding and complete destruction of the current infrastructure. Therefore, we urge your continued support in the aftermath of this dangerous storm."

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) had yet to restore power to 1.4 million customers prior to Hurricane Maria. It is estimated that the entire Island is without power and will continue to be affected for the next few weeks.

The letters thanked all three government entities for their support thus far in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, while urging for help in the recovery phase from Hurricane Maria. More specifically, Members urge President Trump for continued support so that federal agencies can aid those with dire needs on the islands.

In addition to Rep. Soto, the letter was signed by Representatives Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Jenniffer González-Colón (Puerto Rico-At large), Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Stacey Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands, At-large), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), and José Serrano (NY-15).

The full letter to President Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Acting Secretary Elaine Duke, are available by clicking the hyperlinks.