Ruiz Statement On Reports The Trump Administration Is Seeking To Halt Additional Hurricane Maria Disaster Aid

TRENTON – Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz issued the following statement today in response to recent reports that President Trump is seeking to halt additional Hurricane Maria disaster aid:

“Although fourteen months have now passed since Hurricane Maria left a path of destruction and devastation to Puerto Rico, there still remains much more work to be done for the island to fully recover.  The government of Puerto Rico and, most importantly, the people of Puerto Rico still need our assistance.

“It is extremely unconscionable and appalling to read several news reports that President Trump is all too eager to turn his back on American citizens by cutting off any future disaster aid to Puerto Rico.  This is un-American and here in New Jersey, we will not stand for this lack of compassion for helping our own during times of hardships.

“I commend Governor Murphy for his support towards the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and I remain committed to ensuring New Jersey divests any investments in businesses that exacerbate the sufferings of the residents of Puerto Rico by engaging in residential mortgage foreclosures after Hurricane Maria.”