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Boyle Visits Puerto Rico Communities Devastated by Earthquakes

January 27, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) just returned from Puerto Rico where he toured the damage recent earthquakes have inflicted on the island and met with victims.

Congressman Boyle visited sites affected by the recent and ongoing earthquakes. He surveyed the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) operational capabilities related to earthquake response and hurricane recovery. He visited La Guancha Boardwalk in Ponce, which experienced significant damage, with representatives from FEMA. Afterwards, Congressman Boyle was able to meet and speak with survivors in a camp organized and operated by the Government of Puerto Rico to hear firsthand about the resources they need from their local government and FEMA.

"It was just heartbreaking to meet and talk with countless families who are now forced to live in tents and other makeshift, and often dangerous, housing. Our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico are now depending on federal aid to help them rebuild and recover from the recent earthquakes. Those on the Island have already suffered immensely, and the Trump Administration cannot continue to neglect them at a time when they need us the most."

During his visit, Congressman Boyle also met with various elected officials, including Senator Carlos Rios, Majority Leader of the Senate of Puerto Rico, and staff members. Among others, he met with Antonio Pabón Battle (Chief of Staff to Governor Vazquez), General José Reyes (Incident Commander), and Francisco Parés (Secretary of Treasury).


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