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Rubio, Nelson Ask Labor Department to Extend Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Puerto Ricans

Feb 7, 2018 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today asked Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta to grant another “extension to the deadline for individuals to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of Hurricane Maria, which is slated to expire on February 9, 2018.”

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Acosta:

We write to request an extension to the deadline for individuals to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of Hurricane Maria, which is slated to expire on February 9, 2018. An additional extension is warranted to ensure that Puerto Ricans who continue to struggle in the wake of the storm’s destruction are able to apply for this critical assistance.

As you are well aware, Puerto Rico is still in the very beginning stages of recovery following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. Parts of the island are still without power and businesses across the island remain closed. 

While we remain grateful for your decision to extend the previous DUA deadline, we believe additional time is necessary to ensure that those individuals impacted by Hurricane Maria are able to apply for this necessary assistance.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.