In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, President Trump tweeted “Governor @RicardoRossello– We are with you and the people of Puerto Rico. Stay safe! #PRStrong.” Governor Rossello tweeted about his phone call with the president.
Social media has been a hub for discussion of the hurricane among public servants and for people on the Island, who have no access to electricity.
Rep. Nydia Velasquez and Steny Hoyer were among those sharing.
Vice President Mike Pence spoke out in an interview on Fox News:
And with regard to Puerto Rico, we have people coming ashore now who were prepositioned on ships. We’re about to…deliver 8 million meals over 8 million liters of water, 31 industrial generators. We are there with the people of Puerto Rico, as President Trump has said, and we’re going to stay there until Puerto Rico and all the good people there build all the way back.
Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) wrote a letter to President Trump thanking him for his leadership in disaster response. “It is important,” they wrote, “that the federal government stands ready to assist in the difficult days after Hurricane Maria passes, when hope must be available to combat despair.”
Rep Rob Bishop made his statement at the website of the House Committee on Natural Resources:
The residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have been devastated by Hurricane Maria, a storm that took human lives and left millions without power, water and stable infrastructure. This is the most unfortunate circumstances that both of these U.S. territories could possibly face given the recent devastation of Hurricane Irma. I, along with all of our committee members, pray for all those impacted.
I have spoken with Resident Commissioner Gonzalez on the extent of the damage, as well as plans for relief, and will be working with Delegate Plaskett on a similar plan of action. Together, we will advocate for the full support of the federal government. Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are in dire need of our assistance and we will do everything in our power to ensure that all necessary resources are made available.
As Americans, both in the mainland and throughout all of our territories, we are all in this together.”
Governor Rossello is certain that Puerto Rico “will come out of this stronger than ever.”
