Hoyer, Velázquez, Maloney, Ocasio-Cortez Conclude Congressional Delegation Visit to Puerto Rico
On Monday, the Delegation traveled to the southwestern region of Puerto Rico which was hardest hit by earthquakes. They first visited Agripina Seda, a middle school in Guánica, which collapsed due to recent earthquakes. They subsequently visited a field where tents have been erected to provide temporary spaces for classes to resume, which is expected next week. The Members met with the principal and parents of students, who expressed concerns about students returning to classes and finishing the semester. Many parents are concerned about students returning to school, and the Members reiterated their commitment to working with FEMA and COR3 on ensuring students can return safely to school. Monday afternoon, Members visited the Costa Sur Power Plant, which provides 25% of power to the island and suffered significant damage due to the ongoing earthquakes and aftershocks. PREPA and FEMA officials led a tour of the plant and explained the damage it has sustained and steps being taken to repair the plant. PREPA discussed the steps they are taking to ensure electric reliability with Costa Sur offline. Members expressed that they would monitor the restoration in the coming weeks and months and are committed to the people of Puerto Rico having safe, reliable, and affordable power. The Congressional delegation concluded the visit by visiting a base camp in Guayanilla and meeting with people who have been displaced from their homes following earthquakes. They heard from individuals who lost their homes or felt their homes were unsafe to live in and were seeking shelter at the base camp. Members discussed steps being taken to move these individuals into short-term housing and to rebuild their homes. During the visit at the base camp, the Members met with officials from the Puerto Rico Mental Health & Anti-Addiction Administration (ASSMCA) and their team of mental health care providers who are working with displaced individuals and addressing mental health care needs of both first responders and those who have been affected by the earthquakes. Members thanked ASSMCA officials, FEMA officials, COR3 personnel, and National Guard personnel on the ground for their work supporting displaced individuals and families.
EIN Presswire does not exercise editorial control over third-party content provided, uploaded, published, or distributed by users of EIN Presswire. We are a distributor, not a publisher, of 3rd party content. Such content may contain the views, opinions, statements, offers, and other material of the respective users, suppliers, participants, or authors.