Schumer Statement on the Three-year Anniversary of Hurricane Maria

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Democratic Leader Senator Chuck Schumer released the following statement today marking the third anniversary of Hurricane Maria making landfall on Puerto Rico:  

“Three years ago, we watched in horror as Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, claiming thousands of innocent American lives and causing the longest blackout in U.S. history. Today, after one of the worst natural disasters our nation’s ever faced, many Puerto Ricans are still struggling and dealing with the consequences of a poor response by the Trump administration. Whether it is the crumbling electric infrastructure or unequal access to federal resources, Puerto Rico could have rebuilt sooner and stronger had it been able to count on timely, compassionate, and adequate leadership from President Trump.

“The Trump Administration’s recent obligation to Puerto Rico comes almost three years after the storm made landfall and is another shameful example of how – even after swift action for Congress to make tens of billions of dollars available to the Island – the Trump Administration continues to slow walk that support. Even in the face of so much adversity, we continue to be inspired by the resiliency of the Puerto Rican people. Senate Democrats will always champion equal and fair treatment for the millions of American Citizens on the island.”

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