Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement Marking the Fifth Year Anniversary of Hurricane Maria

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in recognition of the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria:

“Today marks the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria and the devastation that continues to affect the people of Puerto Rico. In 2017, Hurricane Maria left 3.5 million Americans without power and over 3,000 lives were lost.

“While hurricanes in the island are not new, Hurricane Maria exposed the vulnerability of Puerto Rico, and five years later, uncertainty remains in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, which occurred this past weekend.

“We commend the Biden administration for its swift actions to declare a state of emergency for the region and we must do all it takes to ensure relief assistance to help residents recover. We cannot turn our backs on our brothers and sisters. Our fight and support of Puerto Rico must continue.”

Watch video of today’s press conference with Rep. Espaillat, House and Senate leaders, and the Hispanic Federation urging immediate relief for Puerto Rico.

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