Schumer Statement on Supplemental Disaster Relief Funding Request

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s request for supplemental disaster relief funding:

“This is just not good enough for hurricane-hammered people in Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida and the Virgin Islands and those impacted by wildfires.

“The administration’s supplemental request shortchanges particularly Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and comes up woefully short of providing all Americans who have been hit by hurricanes and wildfires with the resources they need to rebuild. We are better than this.

“It does not include sufficient funding for rebuilding and recovery, address the impending Medicaid funding crisis that the islands are facing, or provide waivers for cost share requirements that are sorely needed due to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Island’s financial challenges.

“We also must do much more for the states affected by wildfires. They need dollars for recovery and a long-term funding and policy solution to effectively fight wildfires to make sure it happens quickly and effectively.

“As this package moves forward, Democrats will push for significant changes to make sure every community has what it needs to rebuild, and that we’re treating all victims of natural disasters fairly.”