This upcoming Sunday, the people of Venezuela will hold an election that, if legitimate, would put an end to years of the oppressive Maduro narco-regime. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a statement in support of the Venezuelan people: “The...
News
Latest News
Rubio: “La Tenacidad y Valentía del Pueblo venezolano Estarán a la Vista”
Este próximo domingo, el pueblo venezolano tendrá una elección que, de ser legítima, pondría fin a años de opresión por parte del narco-régimen de Maduro. El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) grabó un mensaje de video en español y emitió una declaración en...
Rubio, Scott, Colleagues to Biden Admin: No Privileges Should Be Given to 9/11 Terrorist
Twenty-three years ago, the United States was attacked by Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001. Now, Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person convicted in a U.S. court for his role in the attack, has requested the U.S. Department of Justice to allow a prisoner transfer...
Next Week: Rubio Staff Hosts Mobile Office Hours
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host virtual Mobile Office Hours next week to assist constituents with federal casework issues in their respective local communities. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of Senator Rubio’s...
Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Ensuring Continuity in Veterans’ Health Act
As the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opens up new facilities, many veterans are losing access to the VA’s Community Care Program and, consequently, their long-term healthcare providers. Veterans throughout the country have reported a loss of care, including...
Rubio Introduces Bill to Strengthen U.S.-India Security Partnership
The U.S.-India partnership is vital to countering influences from Communist China. In order to strengthen this partnership, it is essential to enhance our strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)...
Rubio, Nelson Urge FEMA to Approve Direct Lease Program for Puerto Ricans Living in Florida
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today urged FEMA Administrator Brock Long to approve the Direct Lease Program “to benefit victims of Hurricane Maria who have relocated to the mainland and are in need of this critical assistance.”
In January, Rubio urged Puerto Rico’s Governor to request participation in the program that would provide local Florida governments with the necessary resources to address long-term housing needs for Puerto Rican evacuees on the mainland.
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Administrator Long:
We write to urge swift approval for the Direct Lease program to benefit victims of Hurricane Maria who have relocated to the mainland and are in need of this critical assistance. This program will ensure displaced Puerto Rican families have access to reliable temporary housing solutions.
As you are well aware, it has been almost five months since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and the island is still facing significant housing issues in its recovery process. Parts of the island continue to remain without reliable access to power and water. As a result, many displaced Puerto Ricans are unable to return to the island at this time, and are in need of longer-term housing solutions on the mainland.
It is estimated that Florida has opened its schools, hospitals and housing facilities to approximately 200,000 Puerto Ricans who have arrived since Hurricane Maria. However, state and local resources are limited as a result of the devastating hurricane season last fall. While the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program has provided many Puerto Ricans on the mainland temporary housing relief, this program is not intended to be a long-term housing solution. The FEMA Direct Lease program, however, would provide much needed housing assistance directly to displaced Puerto Ricans who desperately need it.
The federal government must continue to play an active role in addressing the housing issues facing Puerto Ricans displaced by Hurricane Maria. Thus, we urge FEMA to expedite the approval of Puerto Rico’s request for Direct Lease assistance.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.