LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) returned Sept 25 from Puerto Rico after her visit to the island with members of the House Homeland Security committee to survey the damage and assess the federal government’s response to Hurricane Fiona. The Congressional Delegation or CODEL was led by Representative Val Demings (FL-10), who serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security subcommittee on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery – the committee has direct oversight over FEMA, the agency responsible for coordination of federal recovery operations in Puerto Rico.
On Sept. 25, the Congresswoman and her Congressional colleagues were briefed by FEMA, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi, and resident commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colón on the conditions on the island and the coordinated response. The Congresswoman traveled to various parts of the island to see the damage from the hurricane up-close to better understand the human costs and infrastructure challenges. She heard from residents who had been cut-off from direct access to other parts of the island and who were still without electricity and running water – and helped hand-out toiletries and other necessities to one rural community.
The Congresswoman and her Congressional colleagues heard directly from Puerto Rican officials, residents, non-profit organizations, emergency responders, and federal officials on the impact and damage caused by Hurricane Fiona
Rep. Barragán commended the Biden Administration and FEMA for their rapid response and deployment of resources and staff to the island, but said more must be done.
“Too many Puerto Ricans are still without water, food, and power, and we need to make sure we surge the resources necessary to the island to get these basic necessities to everyone,” said Rep. Barragán. “Our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters are American citizens, and they deserve nothing but the same urgent response and commitment to rebuild and recover as communities on the mainland. We will continue to press FEMA and the Biden Administration to provide the resources Puerto Rico needs – and ensure that the resources and money get to those who need them.”
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