Trump Continues to Lie About Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

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In September 2017, Hurricane Maria turned Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands into a disaster zone. Millions of residents were left without power, clean water, or access to help. Hurricane Irma, which arrived soon before Maria, pummeled the U.S. Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands faced a full-blown humanitarian crisis, and it happened on U.S. soil, to U.S. citizens.

Hurricane Maria destroyed more than 70,000 homes in Puerto Rico and damaged 300,000 more. In the storm's aftermath, thousands of families left the island and sought shelter on the mainland, often near relatives. Many wound up in Massachusetts, where over 300,000 people have ties to Puerto Rico.

Unfortunately, the federal government's response to the disasters was appalling. Thousands of U.S. citizens died from the storm and its aftermath, due in large part to the failures of the Trump Administration. Many Puerto Ricans who fled to the mainland struggled to receive housing assistance, and the Trump Administration refused to implement a longer-term housing program to help those who were displaced.

I had been deeply involved in Puerto Rico issues long before Hurricane Maria. The island was already staggering under more than $70 billion in debt, which promised to cripple its economy and its future. Much of this debt was snapped up for pennies on the dollar by vulture funds looking to make a quick buck at the expense of the people of Puerto Rico. I worked to try to stop Wall Street from lining its pockets at Puerto Rico's expense.

But when Hurricane Maria arrived, everything became far worse. Years later, the needs of those who were caught in the storm's path are still daunting. Since the hurricane, I've fought hard to ensure that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have the resources they need to recover, and for strong federal oversight of recovery efforts.

With a new hurricane season underway, and with a President who doesn't seem to understand how badly the islands were hurt, it's important to continue our focus on rebuilding resilient infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands so that they can withstand and recover from another brutal storm like Maria. While conditions have improved in Puerto Rico, there are still frequent blackouts, the health care system is still reeling, and much of the housing is not yet repaired. We've still got a lot of work to do and I'll be right there with our brothers and sisters from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands every step of the way.

Below, you can read about some of the work I've done since the hurricanes, and find resources if you or your loved ones need help dealing with the aftermath of these natural disasters.

If You Need Help

MA 2-1-1 is designated as the intake line for evacuees and their families in Massachusetts. Upon receiving a call, 2-1-1 conducts an intake and immediate needs assessment and if the evacuee may need services or support, she or he is referred to a Family Resource Center in the region of the state in which the evacuee intends to reside. Evacuees may also call this number to inquire about their eligibility status for Temporary Shelter Assistance extensions.

FEMA: All disaster survivors must apply directly to FEMA for benefits through disaster assistance.gov or (800) 621-3362 or TTY: (800) 462-7585. FEMA will coordinate directly with the applicant to determine eligibility of the applicant/household for the various programs.

Family Resource Centers (FRC) provide case management support to individuals and families and help evacuees register with FEMA for disaster benefits. For a full list of Family Resource Locations in Massachusetts, visit: https://www.frcma.org/locations

Career Centers assist individuals in accessing unemployment insurance, job search, and questions on finding employment in Massachusetts. For more information and to find the locations of career centers in Massachusetts, visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-career-center-near-you.

MassHealth: For hurricane evacuees wishing to address their healthcare issues, call 1-844-748-3928 (TTY: 1-800497-4648 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled).

If families have any additional questions or concerns, they should not hesitate to contact Senator Warren or Senator Markey's offices directly.

Senator Warren's Office: (413) 788-2690 or (617) 565-3170

Senator Markey's Office: (413) 785-4610

Senator Warren's Work for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Since the Hurricanes

June 3	Joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and colleagues in introducing legislation to sustain and expand Puerto Rico's Earned Income Tax Credit. [Bill Text (PDF)]
April 3	Led her colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to address Puerto Rico's unique vulnerability to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Press Release]
February 10	Joined Senators Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Menendez (D-N.J.) in expressing concerns with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) restrictions and delays for disaster mitigation and recovery funds for Puerto Rico. [Letter (PDF)]
February 7	Led colleagues in asking the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General to investigate whether the Trump administration's delay in releasing emergency funds for Puerto Rico violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. [Press Release]
February 5	Led the Massachusetts delegation in asking the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for information on how they plan to support the mental health needs of Puerto Ricans after the recent earthquakes. [Press Release]
January 23	Joined colleagues in urging the Oversight Board to renegotiate the restructuring agreement for the Puerto Rico Energy Power Authority. [Letter (PDF)]
January 23	Joined Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) asking the U.S. Department of Transportation what steps it has taken to prevent surging airline prices for evacuees of emergency situations, like in Puerto Rico. [Letter (PDF)]
January 16	Joined Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in asking the Senate Banking Committee to hold a hearing on the delay of disaster relief funding for Puerto Rico. [Letter (PDF)]
January 14	Joined Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and colleagues and expressed strong support of Puerto Rico's request for a major disaster declaration after the earthquakes, and condemning the Trump Administration's withholding of disaster relief funds. [Letter (PDF)]
January 13	Sent a letter, with Representatives Nydia Velázquez and Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), urging President Trump to waive Puerto Rico's local cost-sharing requirement following recent earthquakes and to ensure that the federal government fully cover recovery expenses associated with the emergency. [Press Release]
December 13	Led a request to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General for an investigation of FEMA's faltering efforts to rebuild Vieques' closed health care facility. [Press Release] Joined w/ @SenWarren @SenatorMenendez @homelanddems @nrdems @transportdems in writing to @DHSOIG to conduct a review of Vieques' health center. @fema's failure to rebuild the facility is denying our neighbors in PR critical health services & is wrong. No more! pic.twitter.com/OOAVJcKFay — Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) December 16, 2019
September 24	Joined colleagues in a letter to the Oversight Board requesting information about the Board's austerity plans and possible conflicts of interests, among other items. [Letter (PDF)]
August 22	Joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Representative Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and colleagues in writing to the Department of Housing and Urban Development requesting the publication of a Federal Register Notice detailing the requirements for the disbursement of disaster recovery funds appropriated for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to mitigate the impact of future hurricanes. [Letter (PDF)]
July 25	Sent a letter with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and 15 of their Senate and House colleagues, to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, urging them to provide funding for the safe cleanup of military waste on Vieques. [Press Release] The Puerto Rican island of Vieques was heavily polluted by decades of US military bombing exercises. That's why @RepAOC & I have led our colleagues in urging funding for safer cleanup there. We owe it to our fellow citizens in Vieques & across Puerto Rico. https://t.co/E9UpLASTZs — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 26, 2019
June 27	Joined Representative Darren Soto (D-Fla.) in writing to the Trump Administration requesting the disbursement of funds, which were already appropriated, to improve and build a more resilient electric grid in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Letter (PDF)]
June 27	Joined Senator Bernie Sanders' (I-Vt.) letter to the Department of Agriculture and the Office of Management and Budget, asking why emergency nutrition assistance funds for Puerto Rico have not yet been released. [Letter (PDF)]
June 13	Joined House and Senate colleagues in urging the Puerto Rico legislature to oppose the debt restructuring agreement for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. [Letter (PDF)]
June 11	Introduced, with Senator Sanders, the Territories Health Equity Act, to correct long-standing inequities experienced by U.S. territories in federal health care funding for Medicaid and Medicare. [Press Release]
May 15	Sent a letter with Senator Robert Menendez, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, and 7 of their Senate and House colleagues to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting information about the agency's plans to rebuild the only hospital on Vieques. [Press Release] Last week, @SenatorMenendez, @NydiaVelazquez & I questioned @FEMA about the delays. Now, the agency has confirmed the hospital on Vieques will be rebuilt. It's a critical win for the people of Puerto Rico – and we'll be with them every step of the way. https://t.co/1PWLW37Nta — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 24, 2019
May 8	Released the findings of a Department of Homeland Security Inspector General investigation showing that the Federal Emergency Management Agency wrongly awarded Bronze Star, LLC, over $30 million in contracts to provide disaster relief materials to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. [Press Release]
May 2	Re-introduced the U.S. Territorial Relief Act, along with Senators Sanders, Harris, Gillibrand, Markey, and Representative Velázquez, to provide a pathway to comprehensive debt relief and other disaster-ravaged U.S. territories so they can recover and rebuild with dignity. [Press Release] Puerto Rico was in crisis long before Hurricanes Maria & Irma tore through the island. For years, Puerto Rico has been at the mercy of Wall Street vulture funds that snapped up the island's crushing debt to squeeze the Puerto Rican people for every penny they can get. pic.twitter.com/AHCx44cOI3 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 2, 2019 Now, post-Maria, Puerto Rico faces a much bigger crisis. Rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico are still slow, & the debt is a big reason why. Few investors want to put money into reconstruction if the debt means the island doesn't have a realistic chance of recovering. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 2, 2019 Today I'm reintroducing the US Territorial Relief Act to give US territories like Puerto Rico a route to comprehensive debt relief & a chance to get back on their feet. Our fellow US citizens are counting on us, & we cannot forget them. https://t.co/woV6ibi2W3 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 2, 2019
April 1	Issued a statement against the use of Puerto Ricans' pensions to pay off Wall Street bondholders. [Press Release]
April 1	Sent a letter, along with Representative Velázquez, Senator Sanders, Senator Schumer, Senator Markey, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Gillibrand, urging the Financial Oversight and Management Board to recoup Wall Street fees associated with the issuance of unconstitutional Puerto Rico debt. [Letter (PDF)]
March 7	Joined Senator Sanders and Representative Velázquez in introducing the Equitable Nutrition Assistance for the Territories Act of 2019, which would restore Puerto Rico's, the Northern Mariana Islands', and American Samoa's access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. [Press Release]
February 28	Sent a letter, along with Senators Blumenthal, Menendez, and Sanders, calling on Congressional leadership to ensure that any final disaster relief package addresses the imminent expiration of food and other nutritional benefits for thousands of eligible Puerto Ricans. [Press Release]
February 28	Sent a letter, along with Senators Hirono, Harris, and other Senate Democrats, calling on Congress to provide robust supplemental disaster assistance to communities in need, including Puerto Rico. [Letter (PDF)]
February 26	Sent a letter, along with five of her colleagues on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, to Chairman Lamar Alexander to once again request that the Committee hold hearings to assess the challenges facing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. [Press Release]
February 14	Introduced the Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act, to prevent President Trump from diverting funds appropriated for disaster relief to building a border wall. [Press Release] Trump's wall is a #FakeNationalEmergency – but natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods are real. My bill would prevent @realDonaldTrump from diverting disaster recovery funds to pay for his border wall. https://t.co/A9l6qYa3JM — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 20, 2019 Mexico wouldn't pay for @realDonaldTrump's wall. Congress wouldn't fully fund it. So now he's throwing a temper tantrum and declaring a "national emergency." My new bill would stop him from using disaster recovery funds for his pet project. https://t.co/zSPp4INty3 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 14, 2019 Thousands of US citizens in Puerto Rico died during Hurricane Maria and its aftermath. Brock Long oversaw the Trump Administration's botched disaster response, and he has enabled the Administration's negligence regarding Puerto Rico. His resignation was long overdue. https://t.co/jaeWcVaoDY — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 14, 2019
January 21	Investigated reports that President Trump sought to cut off disaster-recovery funds for Puerto Rico and that his Administration is using the government shutdown as an excuse to stall aid to the island [Press Release] In its response, the Department of Housing and Urban Development confirmed that the shutdown delayed billions of dollars of disaster relief funds for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, California, Georgia, and Missouri. [Press Release] The Trump Administration has reportedly been trying to withhold funding for disaster recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and other states and territories. These are US citizens. They deserve answers – not excuses.https://t.co/JKRcMe3Yuk — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 22, 2019
January 3	Reintroduced with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) a bill to establish a "9/11-style" independent commission to investigate the federal response to the hurricanes in Puerto Rico. [Press Release]
December 21	Joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) in writing to Puerto Rico's Oversight Board regarding McKinsey & Company's potential conflicts of interest and lack of disclosure in its work for the Board. [Letter (PDF)]
December 20	Sent a letter with Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) to McKinsey & Company regarding potential conflicts of interest and lack of disclosure in its work for Puerto Rico's Oversight Board. [Press Release] It's been well over a year since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and the island still needs all the help it can get. I've been very glad to see small businesses in Massachusetts coming to the aid of our fellow US citizens.https://t.co/I17AKjnSmE — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 17, 2018
December 6	Joined a letter from the Congressional Progressive Caucus to Puerto Rico's Oversight Board expressing concerns about its fiscal plan, which provides for cuts to public services and generous recoveries for creditors [Letter (PDF)]
December 6	Led three Senate colleagues in writing to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General to request an investigation of new reports of waste and abuse by contractors in FEMA's Tu Hogar Renace program. [Press Release] .@FEMA should be using taxpayer dollars to repair homes in Puerto Rico that were destroyed after Hurricane Maria – not helping companies with ties to @realDonaldTrump line their own pockets. I'm calling on @DHSOIG to investigate. https://t.co/hhUmv4uGtc — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 7, 2018
December 3	Joined colleagues in requesting that appropriators allocate funds for Puerto Rico's Nutritional Assistance Program. [Letter (PDF)]
November 15	With Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), authored a letter to President Trump expressing concern about his proposal to cut relief funds for Puerto Rico, and urging him to work with Congress to ensure relief funds are not used to pay the island's debt. [Letter (PDF)]
November 14	Introduced a resolution congratulating the Boston Red Sox on their World Series Victory, highlighting manager Alex Cora's accomplishments as the first Puerto Rican manager to reach and to win the World Series, and for his relief work in Puerto Rico. [Press Release]
October 30	Joined Representatives Velázquez, José Serrano (D-N.Y.), and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) in questioning Puerto Rico's Oversight Board about how its fiscal plan allows for generous debt service while requiring austerity for the island. [Letter (PDF)].
October 3	With Senator Blumenthal, asked the Department of Homeland Security's watchdog to investigate FEMA's awarding of contacts for Puerto Rico disaster relief to companies with little or no relevant experience. [News Report]
September 25	Led seven of her Senate colleagues in reiterating a request that the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hold hearings on the challenges facing the health and educational systems of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. [Press Release]
September 20	Joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and colleagues in urging FEMA to continue covering the full cost of debris removal and ongoing emergency work in Puerto Rico. [Letter (PDF)] A year ago today, #HurricaneMaria devastated Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands. The federal government's shoddy response turned a natural disaster into a full-on humanitarian crisis. Thousands of US citizens died. Many are still living under extremely difficult conditions. pic.twitter.com/S6poKQ5gOy — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2018 In January, I traveled to Puerto Rico and saw firsthand the devastation caused by #HurricaneMaria. I saw fellow US citizens facing incredible challenges?—?power lines in the street, water that was making people sick, and children left homeless. pic.twitter.com/HDmZamN2Gt — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2018 After @realDonaldTrump finished tossing out paper towels, he went back to the White House and ignored the aftermath of #HurricaneMaria. Meanwhile, I've been fighting to get survivors the federal help they deserve. Here's everything I've been working on: https://t.co/goEDOeSDh7 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2018 Many Puerto Ricans were forced to abandon their homes after #HurricaneMaria. Some ended up in MA – where 300k people have ties to the island. I intro'd a bill to force the Trump Admin to activate a program for displaced families, which @FEMA refuses to do. https://t.co/9wWtRdDpe0 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2018 In the months after #HurricaneMaria, I have repeatedly pushed for an accurate fatality count in Puerto Rico so we could understand the full scope of the tragedy, plan for future disasters, & ensure those who lost loved ones receive needed assistance.https://t.co/0Uhf5gMRKL — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2018 Puerto Rico is trying to rebuild after #HurricaneMaria, but it's being crushed by debt. I introduced a bill to give US territories that have suffered a major crisis a route to comprehensive debt relief and a chance to get back on their feet. https://t.co/wQWQekgzVY — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2018 .@SenSanders and I introduced a $146 billion "Marshall Plan" for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – a comprehensive blueprint for investing in rebuilding the islands after #HurricaneMaria & Irma. https://t.co/6EcANoP81a — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2018 A year after Hurricane Maria, @realDonaldTrump still refuses to acknowledge basic facts about how badly Puerto Rico was hurt. There's still so much work that needs to be done – but I won't stop fighting for our fellow US citizens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. pic.twitter.com/KJPtZamFc1 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 21, 2018
September 18	Co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution marking one year since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Resolution]
September 18	Along with Rep. Velázquez, led a group of over 130 lawmakers in writing to President Trump to condemn his recent statements about the fatalities in Puerto Rico from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and their aftermath. [Press Release] This is a flat-out lie, @realDonaldTrump. The Puerto Rican government raised the official death toll to 2,975 people after multiple, credible estimates. https://t.co/mkcqshrRjk pic.twitter.com/sKyAA4hewH — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 13, 2018
September 14	Wrote to Education Secretary DeVos calling on her to lower administrative hurdles for institutions of higher education affected by hurricanes to receive federal aid. [Letter (PDF)]
September 12	Led a group of 22 Members of Congress in questioning FEMA and HHS about the Puerto Rico death toll, including about the small fraction of applicants who had been approved for federal funeral assistance and how the government was updating its disaster preparation plans in light of this new information. [ Press Release ] The Puerto Rican government just updated the official death count for Hurricane Maria from 64 to 2,975 people. @realDonaldTrump and his Administration utterly failed in their response, and US citizens died. That's the appalling, tragic reality. https://t.co/S03fuuHd2J — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) August 29, 2018
August 2	Joined Senator Menendez to question FEMA about the rates at which it was denying requests for federal assistance by disaster-affected Puerto Ricans. [Letter (PDF)]
July 25	Introduced the U.S. Territorial Relief Act, a bill to provide an avenue to comprehensive debt relief for Puerto Rico and other disaster-ravaged U.S. territories so they can recover and rebuild with dignity. [ Press Release ]
July 12	Joined Senator Blumenthal in a letter calling on FEMA to activate the DHAP housing program, in light of a court injunction prohibiting the end of Transitional Shelter Assistance. [Letter (PDF)]
July 10	Questioned the nominee to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about her role in the botched federal response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. [Press Release] A week later, released a report on the nominee's role in Puerto Rico, among other initiatives showing her to be unqualified for the role. [Press Release] Kathy Kraninger has zero experience that qualifies her to run the @CFPB. My new report details her career "highlights" – including oversight of agencies responsible for the Trump Admin's child separation policy & botched recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. https://t.co/PCBFvbDlhT — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 18, 2018
June 28	Joined Senator Menendez and colleagues in another letter urging an extension of Transitional Shelter Assistance and activation of the DHAP housing program. [Letter (PDF)]
June 28	Co-sponsored an amendment to the Farm Bill by Senator Sanders, to provide block grants to Puerto Rico.
June 27	Co-led a letter, with Rep. Adriano Espaillat, urging an extension of Transitional Shelter Assistance and activation of the DHAP housing program. [Letter (PDF)]
June 21	Along with Senator Markey, wrote to FEMA Administrator Brock Long, following up on Senator Warren's conversations with him about housing for evacuees and refuting FEMA's rationale for not activating the DHAP housing program. [Press Release]
June 14	Introduced with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand a bill to establish a "9/11-style" independent commission to investigate the federal response to the hurricanes in Puerto Rico. [Press Release] Tragically, the death toll in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria is far higher than the official count. The federal gov't hasn't done enough to assist or force accountability. I've called for a bipartisan commission to investigate the Trump Admin's response. https://t.co/zWTq84Z882 https://t.co/wSBPcOUKCs — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) August 9, 2018
June 13	Joined Massachusetts colleague Rep. Richard Neal in urging activation of the DHAP housing program. [Letter (PDF)] A federal judge just forced @fema to extend shelter to Puerto Rican evacuees until August 31. That's great for many families across MA– but now FEMA must help them find long-term solutions. If they don't, we should pass my bill to force FEMA to do its job. https://t.co/ympO5cgpI8 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) August 1, 2018
June 12	Led 21 Senate and House colleagues in a letter to FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services seeking information about the official accounting of fatalities due to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. This builds upon an initial inquiry on the subject in October. [Press Release]
June 7	Joined Senator Kamala Harris and Rep. Velázquez in introducing new legislation to establish federal procedures for counting fatalities following a natural disaster. [Press Release]
June 7	Met with Puerto Rican evacuees from Massachusetts and pledged to continue fighting for a long-term housing solution. [Press Release]
May 31	Introduced the Housing Victims of Major Disasters Act of 2018, a bill to activate the DHAP program to provide stable housing for survivors of major hurricanes, allow survivors who lack legal documents to use alternative proof to receive disaster assistance, and allow survivors to use disaster assistance to obtain title to their land. [ Press Release ] Authored an op-ed column with Senator Markey in the Springfield Republican, calling for immediate activation of DHAP. [Op-Ed]
May 23	Joined colleagues on a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos opposing the planned appropriations process to distribute disaster aid funding to colleges impacted by the hurricanes and natural disasters. [Letter (PDF)]
May 17	Co-sponsored a bill from Senator Bill Nelson to require FEMA to implement the DHAP housing program for evacuees. [Press Release]
May 16	Along with Senator Markey, criticized FEMA's decision not to stand up the DHAP longer-term housing program for evacuees. [News Article]
May 16	With Rep. Velázquez, followed up on the February 8 letter regarding the proposal to reorganize and privatize the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics. [Letter (PDF)]
May 2	Alongside Rep. Velázquez, urged the Federal Communications Commission not to reduce the reach of its Lifeline program – which makes communication more affordable for low-income consumers – in Puerto Rico. [Letter (PDF)]
May 1	Urged President Trump to hire a Homeland Security Advisor who recognizes climate change as a national security threat. [Press Release]
April 20	Led a group of senators in urging FEMA to exercise its discretion and implement a longer-term housing program for evacuees, called DHAP. [Press Release]
April 19	With Senator Markey, again urged an extension of Transitional Shelter Assistance for those displaced by the hurricane. [Letter (PDF)] Following this and others' requests, FEMA granted a temporary extension of TSA. [News Report] For months, @SenMarkey & I have fought for Puerto Rican families who evacuated to Massachusetts after Hurricane Maria. Unless @FEMA acts soon, many could wind up homeless. These are fellow US citizens – this is unacceptable.https://t.co/4E5SvNzfTW — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 19, 2018
April 5	Joined Congressman Jose Serrano and colleagues in urging Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to ease the extremely burdensome process for hurricane-affected colleges and universities to receive federal disaster aid. [Press Release]
March 23	Joined colleagues in urging the Puerto Rican government and the Oversight Board not to privatize Puerto Rico's prisons. [Letter (PDF)]
March 22	Co-sponsored a resolution by Senator Bob Menendez expressing concern about Puerto Rico six months after Hurricane Maria and insisting that the federal government must do more for the island. [Resolution]
March 22	Led her colleagues in writing to the Internal Revenue Service asking the IRS whether its private debt collectors acted legally in dealing with taxpayers impacted by federally declared disasters. [Press Release]
March 20	Authored a Medium post, in English and Spanish, to mark six months since Hurricane Maria hit, and providing updates on the recovery efforts and her work for the island. [Medium Post; En Español] 6 months ago, Hurricane Maria devastated #PuertoRico & the USVI. Recovery has been too slow. I'll keep fighting for federal assistance to restore the island's electric grid, additional housing for those who lost their homes, and disaster and debt relief for PR. #6MonthsAfterMaria — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 20, 2018
March 16	Joined colleagues in writing to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to request information about the draw-down of Army Corps personnel working on electricity restoration, especially on the island of Vieques. [Letter (PDF)]
March 14	Led a group of five senators requesting an update from FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on efforts to restore the island's electric grid. [Press Release] Enough is enough. It's time for the Trump Administration to step up and take responsibility for the repeated blackouts in Puerto Rico that have left millions of US citizens in the dark. I'll keep fighting to get answers and help for the people of #PuertoRico. https://t.co/PM7SuDCo5R — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 18, 2018
March 8	Called on the Treasury Department to provide to Puerto Rico the full Community Disaster Loan appropriated by Congress, and to offer terms that will promote the island's recovery. [Letter (PDF)]
March 6	Led a group of three senators in requesting information on FEMA's plans to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season following the catastrophes in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Press Release]
March 1	Spoke at an event sponsored by the Albert Shanker Institute, the American Federation of Teachers, and the Hispanic Federation, opposing education cuts in Puerto Rico. [Video]
February 16	Reminded Puerto Rico's Oversight Board that federal relief funds for Puerto Rico are intended for disaster relief and rebuilding, not for paying creditors. [Letter (PDF)]
February 14	With Senator Richard Blumenthal, called on the Department of Justice to investigate the contracting process for relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. [Letter (PDF)]
February 12	With Senator Markey, urged FEMA to extend Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) – housing assistance for those displaced by disaster. Many Puerto Ricans required TSA in Massachusetts and other states because their homes were damaged by the hurricane. [Letter (PDF)] Following this and others' requests, FEMA granted a temporary extension of TSA. [News Report]
February 8	Requested information on the reorganization and privatization of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, an important reliable body that governs statistical policy in the territory. [Letter (PDF)]
February 7	Led a group of seven senators in requesting an investigation of FEMA's $156 million contract with a company that failed to provide self-heating meals as promised. [Letter (PDF)]
February 7	Led the Massachusetts congressional delegation in writing to the Food and Drug Administration highlighting the impact of drug and medical device shortages on Massachusetts medical centers after Hurricane Maria. [Press Release]
January 19	Led the Massachusetts congressional delegation in writing to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to request information on SAMHSA's efforts to address mental health challenges in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. [Press Release]
January 12	Led the Massachusetts congressional delegation on a trip to Puerto Rico to conduct oversight of Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. [ Press Release ]
December 21	With Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), led a group of nine senators on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee in a bipartisan letter to HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), requesting that the Committee hold hearings to assess the challenges facing the health and educational systems of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. [Press Release] A month later, 186 organizations sent a letter echoing this request. [Letter (PDF)]
December 6	Joined colleagues in calling for more Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Press Release] Puerto Rico desperately needs help, and @Lin_Manuel explains some of the most important steps we must take. Read his column: https://t.co/v6rAGG5deO — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 14, 2017
December 5	Called for an investigation of FEMA's decision to award over $30 million in contracts to Bronze Star LLC for temporary roofing materials in Puerto Rico that were never delivered. [Press Release] As a result of this call, the Department of Homeland Security's watchdog said it will investigate. [News Report]
December 4	Joined Senator Menendez in expressing concern about the small amount of disaster relief that the Trump Administration requested for disaster-ravaged parts of the United States, and asking appropriators for more aid for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Letter (PDF)]
November 28	Worked with Senator Bernie Sanders to author a "Marshall Plan" for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This comprehensive legislation would address the immediate humanitarian needs in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and ensure that the islands not only recover, but are able to rebuild in a way that empowers them to thrive. [ Press Release ]
November 16	Led five Senate colleagues in writing to the Department of Defense to request information on the Department's efforts to provide medical care in the aftermath of Hurricanes Maria, and to request information on the role of the USNS Comfort – the military hospital ship – in the Department's Puerto Rico response efforts. [Press Release]
November 15	With Rep. Nydia Velázquez, asked Puerto Rico's Oversight Board to request a complete discharge of Puerto Rico's debt. [Press Release] My friend @SenWarren & I today wrote the Oversight Board for #PuertoRico calling for complete write off of PR's debt obligations post-Maria. Must put the people of Puerto Rico before Wall Street hedge funds! Read more: https://t.co/zpCbcs1Atl pic.twitter.com/oRdHXvn4y4 — Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) November 15, 2017
November 14	Joined colleagues in urging Senate appropriators to include in a third disaster supplemental bill additional funding to help schools impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. [Press Release]
November 7	Led a group of 12 senators asking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for information about water- and vector-borne diseases in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Press Release] This is important. @realDonaldTrump has cited the death count to argue his disaster response to Puerto Rico was top notch. It appears many hurricane deaths are going uncounted. Each day that passes makes it tougher to figure out the true total. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 9, 2017 Do your job, @realDonaldTrump. Your Administration must work with Puerto Rican authorities to ensure an accurate hurricane fatality count right away. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 9, 2017
November 3	Joined colleagues in writing to the Trump Administration outlining what ought to be included in a third disaster supplemental appropriations bill to address the damage caused by hurricanes and wildfires across the country. [Press Release]
October 26	Joined colleagues in demanding federal agencies expedite power restoration efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Press Release]
October 25	Co-led a group of 7 senators in pushing the Trump administration to increase efforts on Vieques and Culebra, especially securing the Vieques Superfund site. [Press Release]
October 25	Joined Senator Ed Markey in calling for a resolution to the Univision-Verizon retransmission dispute, to hasten the restoration of Spanish-language news programming in the wake of the hurricanes. [Press Release]
October 20	Urged the Department of Education to use its discretion to help college students and student loan borrowers displaced or otherwise unable to continue their education in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. [Press Release]
October 19	Led a group of 13 senators in demanding that the federal government take steps to ensure that the official fatality count in Puerto Rico was accurate. The death toll at the time was just 48, though numerous reports indicated that actually far more people had died. [ Press Release ]
October 18	Called for disaster assistance and debt relief during a Capitol Hill rally in coordination with the #JustRecovery march. [Video]
October 6	Urged HHS to provide additional resources and better coordinate efforts to combat the growing public health crisis on the ground. [Press Release] Step up & do your job, @realDonaldTrump. Stop lying about how well things are going in Puerto Rico. Stop trying to avoid responsibility. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) October 12, 2017
October 3	Led a coalition of senators in a letter to President Trump, urging him to step up disaster recovery efforts on the Puerto Rican islands of Vieques and Culebra. [Press Release]
October 2	Went to FEMA Headquarters for a briefing on the status of recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and pressed officials on evidence that the federal response was woefully inadequate. [Facebook Post]
September 29	Called on the President to use his authority under the Defense Production Act to more swiftly respond to the disaster. [Press Release] With every day that passes, I'm more outraged that the federal govt isn't doing more to help our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico & the USVI. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 29, 2017 Congress must immediately take up an appropriations bill to come to Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands' aid. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 29, 2017 PR is in CRISIS. US citizens are dying. Millions of people need their govt's help. Stop playing politics with their lives, @realDonaldTrump. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 30, 2017 I just got off the phone with Mayor @CarmenYulinCruz. I told her to keep up her heroic work & leadership on behalf of Puerto Rico. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 30, 2017
September 29	Held community meetings in Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts, to discuss the crises on the islands, and to hear from constituents worried about those affected by the hurricanes. [Facebook Post]
September 28	Held a conference call with local elected officials and activists in Massachusetts with ties to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
September 27	Pressed President Trump to take eight immediate, specific actions in response to the crisis in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [Press Release]
September 26	Wrote to Republican leadership requesting that Congress be allowed to promptly take up legislation to provide the necessary aid to the U.S. citizens living on the islands. [Press Release] In the wake of powerful hurricanes, Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands face an urgent humanitarian crisis. Congress must address it NOW. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 27, 2017 Today I joined fellow Democratic senators in calling for an appropriations bill immediately to help the people of Puerto Rico & the USVI. pic.twitter.com/5tjD3M8mCv — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 27, 2017 The people of Puerto Rico & the USVI need to know their federal government hasn't forgotten them and is doing everything it can to aid them. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 27, 2017
September 22	Asked President Trump to waive the local cost-sharing requirement for the hurricane response in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and for the federal government to fully cover recovery expenses. [Press Release] My thoughts are with the millions of Americans in Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands. I hope electricity and safety are restored quickly. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 20, 2017