Letter to the Hon. William B. Long, Administrator, FEMA - Do Not "Shut Off" Food and Water Aid to Puerto Rico

Letter

Dear Administrator Long:

We respectfully request the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue distributing supplies of food and water in Puerto Rico. Many U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico continue to struggle, some lacking access to power or running water, 133 days after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. Many Puerto Rican localities still face significant challenges accessing basic needs, and FEMA has played a critical role in ensuring Puerto Ricans across the island are receiving these goods and services. Now is not the time to remove this life-sustaining assistance.

Puerto Ricans in some parts of the island are struggling to make ends meet with limited access to food, water and other supplies. Many towns are still inaccessible by vehicle, making it difficult to distribute adequate supplies. Families will continue to leave the island if their basic needs are not met -- the most fundamental of which are food and water.

We urge you to continue distributing food and water aid in Puerto Rico until the situation on the island has substantially improved.

Sincerely,