"Still recovering from Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico should receive immediately the $18 billion withheld by the Trump Administration," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
"The United States government must do all it can to assist our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico," said Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA).
"The Trump Administration can’t neglect the island’s needs once again," said Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY).
Led letter w/ 56 colleagues urging @realDonaldTrump to issue a major disaster declaration for #PuertoRico. It would facilitate the island's access to critical emergency assistance from the federal government. The administration mustn't abandon them again: https://t.co/DWFesS2HX1
— José E. Serrano (@RepJoseSerrano) January 10, 2020
On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly urged the White House to change its ways on the billions in withheld aid.
"We call upon the White House to stop its unlawful withholding of funds from Puerto Rico," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference.
"The ongoing withholding of funds appropriated by Congress to Puerto Rico is illegal," the Speaker told reporters.
A magnitude 6.0 quake shakes Puerto Rico, causing further damage along the island’s southern coast, where previous recent quakes have toppled homes and schools. The U.S. Geological Survey says it hit 8 miles south of Indios. https://t.co/UmPgqoEQTQ
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 11, 2020
Guanica, Puerto Rico mayor was being interviewed live, tonight, on the local Univision TV station when the 5.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the island. It was centered off the southern coast. The mayors reaction represents the fear people have about aftershocks that won't stop. pic.twitter.com/46WdIBQ696
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 11, 2020
In 2019, Congress approved a plan which set new deadlines for the Trump Administration to release aid which had been withheld to Texas, Florida, Louisiana and Puerto Rico.
But the September deadline came and went for Puerto Rico - and billions still remain on hold.
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