[Page H304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FACING A TIME OF NEED FOR THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO

  (Ms. WILD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of over 3 million of our 
fellow Americans who are facing a time of need right now, the people of 
Puerto Rico.
  Several of my colleagues have been working tirelessly to convey the 
voices of the people of Puerto Rico following the earthquakes that they 
have been experiencing over the past several weeks. Those voices must 
be more widely heard in the media and across our society because our 
fellow Americans are calling out for help.
  The damage caused by this most recent disaster comes in addition to 
the devastation of Hurricane Maria and the grossly inadequate Federal 
response to that tragedy.
  Today, the administration confirmed that it would finally end its 
hold on disaster aid relief that Congress authorized for Puerto Rico 
years ago. Now, in the wake of this most recent tragedy, the President 
must approve a major disaster declaration today.
  Constituents across my community have reached out to me with deep 
concern for their friends and families, and nearly all of us represent 
constituents of Puerto Rican origin. We cannot turn our backs on our 
fellow citizens. We must stand with them and come to their aid.

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