Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer today sent a letter to House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) requesting a hearing on the status of Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

Beyer wrote:

“Dear Chairman Bishop:

I write to request that you hold a hearing regarding the status of Puerto Rico’s recovery. It is our responsibility as the primary committee of jurisdiction for Puerto Rico to provide the oversight the American people on the island badly need.

Since Hurricanes Maria and Irma, the federal government has presided over one of the slowest and least effective post-hurricane recoveries in recent memory. The issues worth examining, including the recent island-wide black out, lack of access to housing, school closures, the unsupported privatization of PREPA, the upcoming hurricane and mosquito season, the exodus from the island, and efforts by bondholders to siphon off recovery funding, are abundant. Our committee has been silent.

My staff and I are ready to help you assemble a hearing or series of hearings on the topic. I look forward to working with you.”

A signed copy of the letter is available here.