Calls on Senate to approve $4.7 billion in emergency aid
relief to Puerto Rico in wake of devastating earthquakes
Watertown, MA — On Monday, Congressman Joe Kennedy III hosted a solidarity rally at the Puerto Rican Veterans Monument in Boston’s South End neighborhood.
On Friday, the House of Representatives approved a spending package of $4.7 billion in recovery aid and tax relief to Puerto Rico that would significantly help efforts to rebuild after a series of devastating earthquakes. Kennedy told the crowd that he was proud to support this package and called on his colleagues in the Senate, along with President Trump, to approve the package as well.
“Last week we learned that President Trump’s administration has threatened to veto this funding — once again showing callous disregard for the pain and suffering of our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I was proud to support this aid and I am proud to stand with you all here today to send a message to Donald Trump that enough is enough.”
Congressman Kenedy and Tony Molina of the Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square Association noted that this rally was not just about one relief package, but about lifting up the voices of those in Puerto Rico.
“But this is bigger than aid programs or financial infusions,” Kennedy added. “We are here today because the U.S. government has systematically and strategically silenced the voices of Puerto Rico for generations. The people of Puerto Rico are our fellow citizens. They have made immense contributions to every corner of American life. Puerto Rican soldiers like some of the ones standing here with me today have protected our freedoms as part of the United States Armed Forces in every armed conflict since 1917. We need to engage in a much larger and longer strategic overhaul of our government’s treatment of Puerto Rico, including reforms to PROMESA.”
“And my promise to the people of Puerto Rico — and this community — is that I’ll do more than fight for you,” Kennedy concluded. “I’ll fight with you. And I’d be honored to have you fighting with me.”
