McGovern Applauds House Passage of Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Legislation to Support Puerto Rico

Washington, February 7, 2020
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) Chairman of the House Rules Committee, applauded the passage of an emergency supplemental appropriations legislation to provide support to Puerto Rico following a series of recent earthquakes. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“I brought this legislation through the Rules Committee to the House Floor this week because Puerto Rico needs our help,” said Congressman McGovern. “Congress has a moral and legal responsibility to take care of our friends, family, and fellow citizens in Puerto Rico. I call on Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to bring this legislation up for debate quickly, and for President Trump to sign it into law.”

After floor amendments, the emergency supplemental provides $4.89 billion in emergency spending. The bill funds a broad range of disaster recovery activities, including educational needs, repairs to transportation infrastructure, community development, energy needs, and nutrition assistance.

“Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico, still reeling from Hurricanes Maria and Irma, were dealt another blow when recent earthquakes caused further devastation on the island,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey. “This bill provides families and communities swift relief and puts Puerto Rico on the path to long-term recovery. The Senate should quickly take it up and pass it.”

In addition to the appropriations provisions, the supplemental includes the Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, tax provisions related to Puerto Rico relief and recovery that are in the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Ways and Means.