September 25, 2017 The Call – #HurricaneMaria #PuertoRico Following the direct hit by Hurricane Maria, the situation is Puerto Rico is apocalyptic, with no power, unpassable roads, decimated agriculture and much of its infrastructure destroyed. The humanitarian situation of these US citizens is dire, with some still needing rescue, many homeless and a desperate need of food, water, medicine and other critical supplies. The humanitarian crisis and recovery efforts would be much aided by a temporary waiver of the Jones Act, which does not permit foreign ships to deliver US aid or goods to Puerto Rico. Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) is introducing a bill for a one year waiver of the Jones Act for Puerto Rico disaster relief. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can issue emergency waivers from the Jones Act, and while a temporary hurricane waiver was given for Irma and Harvey, the DHS has declined to issue a post-Maria waiver for Puerto Rico. It is shocking how little attention the Trump administration has given to the dire situation in Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans are our fellow U.S. citizens and we must urgently respond to their terrible circumstances as we did with people in Texas and Florida. Your Action Call your 3 members of Congress and urge them to act quickly on an aid package for Puerto Rico and to support legislation for a one year waiver of the Jones Act. Talking Points
This is [NAME] and I’m a constituent in [ZIP].
I am extremely concerned that U.S. aid efforts to Puerto Rico, where U.S. citizens are in desperate need of help, are not going quickly enough and are not sufficient to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
I urge [Rep/Sen____] to act swiftly to get emergency aid to Puerto Rico and to support legislation for a one year waiver of the Jones Act to help Puerto Rico in the massive recovery effort it faces.