Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.5687, a bill providing emergency spending to aid Puerto Rico’s recovery from the recent devastating earthquake and aftershocks. The bill, introduced by House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), grants $4.67 billion for continued energy recovery, repairs to the road systems damaged by recent natural emergencies, and water development, among other critical aid.
The bill also gives tax credit measures, which could boost the local economy and have a significant impact on low-income Puerto Ricans, increasing the housing credit allocations for this population segment.
Erin Cohan, chief of staff and a vice president at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
These funds will bring needed relief to the American citizens of Puerto Rico, who have been struggling to access basic needs and overcome tremendous destruction to the island’s infrastructure. The Senate should pass this measure quickly and reject President Donald Trump’s cruel threat to veto the bill. We also must remain vigilant to ensure that the administration does not further delay the $8 billion that Congress provided to aid Puerto Ricans’ recovery from Hurricane Maria.
Related resources:
“Congress Needs to Stop Trump’s Continued Infliction of Harm and Suffering on Puerto Ricans” by Enrique Fernández-Toledo, Rafael Medina, and Erin Cohan
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Claudia Montecinos at [email protected] or 202-481-8145.