Washington, DC, -- Today, the White House issued a statement threatening to veto the “Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020” (H.R. 5687), introduced on January 28 by House Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowey (D-NY). The bill includes provisions to assist in Puerto Rico’s recovery from the ongoing earthquakes, including one in Ponce just two days ago. Thousands of people are without shelter because of structural damage to homes.
In response, Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune issued the following statement:
“Our friends and family in Puerto Rico are suffering because of Donald Trump’s decision to withhold disaster aid from Hurricane Maria that has already been approved.
“Trump’s threat to veto disaster aid for the earthquakes in Puerto Rico demonstrates, more blatantly than ever, his contempt for the people of Puerto Rico. His rhetoric around corruption is laughable coming from the most openly corrupt presidential administration in modern history. The Sierra Club urges Congress to advance this critical initiative despite White House threats.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.