Jacob Ogles
Sen. Rick Scott filed an amendment to a bill to fund the federal government that would include $600 million for disaster recovery in Puerto Rico.
“The most important thing to every American is action over words,” Scott said. “In Florida, we took aggressive action to support Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican community since before Hurricane Maria even made landfall, but our work isn’t done.”
A funding bill already passed by the U.S. House includes the funding for the island nation, but the Senate version does not. The funding differences loom as Washington leaders work toward ending a government shutdown.
The Florida Republican, though, said it’s imperative the U.S. territory get deserved support from leaders in Washington.
“Puerto Rico’s success is America’s success and Puerto Rico’s recovery is America’s recovery,” he said. “Today, I’m introducing an amendment to ensure Puerto Rico has the resources they need to continue to rebuild and recover.”
Jenniffer Gonzalez, resident commissioner of Puerto Rico, praised Scott for offering the amendment.
“I am thrilled to have a partner in the U.S. Senate that makes Puerto Rico a priority,” she said.
“As Governor, Sen. Scott was there when Puerto Rico needed it most—and he has already proven that he will be a voice for Puerto Rico in the Senate. This funding is so important to help Puerto Rico continue to recover after Hurricane Maria, and I thank Senator Scott for taking quick action to make this happen. I look forward to working closely with Senator Scott to support the Puerto Rican community.”
President Donald Trump’s administration came under fire for its response to Hurricane Maria. And a The Washington Post article on the resignation of HUD official Pamela Patenaude suggested the White House did not want to fund disaster relief on the island.
But Scott made assistance to Puerto Rico a priority both as governor and during his Senate campaign last year. Post-election polling by Scott’s Senate campaign indicated support from Hispanic voters in the state played a significant role in his razor thin victory over Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.
Scott said it’s important since Puerto Rico has no voting members in Congress for officials to advocate for the citizens on the island.
“Puerto Rico does not have a voice in the United States Senate. I intend to be that voice,” he said.
“I’m proud to fight for the people of Puerto Rico and will continue to do everything I can to take action for the Puerto Rican community, both in Florida and on the island.”
