Val Demings Leads Congressional Trip to Oversee FEMA Post-hurricane Aid in Puerto Rico

From [HERE] After leading a call for full coverage of post-hurricane relief costs, Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demings is spearheading a trip to Puerto Rico, where she and other members of Congress will oversee Federal Emergency Management Agency efforts.

Demings’ Office announced the trip Friday, one day after Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi invited Demings to “see first-hand the devastating impact” of Hurricane Fiona, which tore through the island Monday.

In the days since, Demings has called on President Joe Biden to call for a major disaster declaration, which he did Thursday, and for FEMA to initiate a 100% cost-share of emergency aid — a move others in Congress have requested as well.

“The health and safety of the American people is my No. 1 priority,” Demings said in a statement. “It is critical that we hear directly from Puerto Rican communities and first responders on the ground so that we can evaluate Puerto Rico’s needs and FEMA’s response. We know this storm is yet another blow on top of the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Maria — a recovery that has taken far too long. [MORE]