U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the passage of a $4.67 billion emergency aid package for Puerto Rico by a vote of 237 to 161 in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“Devastating earthquakes continue to rock the island of Puerto Rico, where our fellow Americans are still struggling to recover from the devastation of Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Today, I was proud to preside over the House while we voted to send much-needed emergency aid to help our fellow Americans rebuild and recover. This package provides significant disaster relief and long-term recovery assistance to repair damaged roads, support schools, provide nutrition assistance, and strengthen the electric grid.

“Unfortunately, the president has threatened to veto this aid. He repeatedly has turned his back on the families in Puerto Rico. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to pass this package with haste. In the face of Trump’s cruelty, Congress must step forward and support the people of Puerto Rico.

“I am working with my local Puerto Rico Recovery and Assistance Task Force to assist Tampa nonprofit and community leaders in aiding families on the island and those who have relocated to the Tampa Bay area. We will continue to press for compassionate and robust help even in the face of disparate treatment. I am proud of how the Tampa Bay community stepped up after Hurricane Maria and in the wake of the recent devastating earthquakes.”