Serrano Calls on Congress to Act to

Help

Hurricane-Devastated

Caribbean

Islands

Washington, DC, September 23, 2004—Today, Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY) called on Congress to support the Caribbean Hurricane Relief Resolution that seeks to increase aid to Caribbean countries devastated by recent hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.  The bill, which is being co-sponsored by Congressman Serrano, was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives last night. 

“These terrible storms have killed hundreds of people and caused millions of dollars of damage to property and vital infrastructure on many islands in the
Caribbean
,” said Serrano.  “The current amount of aid being sent by the is just not adequate, and it’s time for us to help our friends in need.  The last thing we need is a destabilized and impoverished
Caribbean
.”

The Resolution, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), urges the President and international community to act quickly to provide assistance and aid to the islands affected by the recent storms.  It also commends the work of
Caribbean
governments and Caribbean-Americans who have been providing relief to those suffering in the region.

“Our hearts ache for those who have lost loved ones in these terrible hurricanes,” said Serrano.  “Our nation needs to act quickly to help the
Caribbean
rebuild.”

# # #

Congressman José E. Serrano has represented the
Bronx
,
New York
in Congress since 1990, and is the most senior Member of Congress of Puerto Rican descent.  He is the only Member of Congress from
New York City
on the House Appropriations Committee and currently serves as the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Commerce, Justice, and State Departments.