Press Release

Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. released the following statement after news broke that the Trump administration will not waive shipping restrictions that are delaying Puerto Rico relief:

"As a doctor, I am gravely concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico. There are 3.4 million American citizens in dire need of drinking water, food, medical supplies, and electric power. We have to act now and use every option available to support response efforts.

The Department of Defense says that 44 percent of Puerto Rico – American citizens – are without clean drinking water. Nearly the entire island is without power. I echo Governor Ricardo Rosselló's comments, that Congress must immediately pass an aid package to assist Puerto Rico.

The Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security must also waive the Jones Act so more aid can reach the island as quickly as possible. Similar steps were taken in Texas and Florida after hurricane Harvey and hurricane Irma. Puerto Rico should be no different."