Rep. Soto Thanks Government of Puerto Rico for Requesting FEMA Housing Program Extension

Kissimme, Florida – Congressman Darren Soto release the following statement following the announcement that Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló will request an extension of the Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) program, which provides Puerto Rico evacuees of Hurricane Maria currently residing in Florida with housing vouchers:

"I would like to thank Governor Rosselló and the Puerto Rican government for requesting a FEMA extension beyond the January 13 deadline to the TSA program. While I continue to be supportive of a swift and resilient reconstruction of Puerto Rico, the reality is Florida has received over 250,000 evacuees from the island and our state lacks the resources to provide affordable housing for all.

"The Governor's 60-Day TSA extension request is much needed, and I believe we can do even more to address the housing crisis Central Florida is facing with new Puerto Rican arrivals. Thus, I urge FEMA to consider a full 180-Day extension. I also encourage Governor Rosselló to request approval for FEMA's Direct Lease program."

On Wednesday, December 20, Congressman Darren Soto led a bipartisan letter urging FEMA to expand the Direct Lease program and extend the TSA program for a minimum of six months. Click here to access the letter.