On April 1st, the Senate failed to advance both a disaster relief package that would provide some but not enough funding for Puerto Rico’s recovery and funding for affected states, and a separate package that would include more funding for Puerto Rico, keep Medicaid from running out of funds in other U.S. territories, and help for states affected by disaster.

There is stalemate in part because President Trump does not want funds to go to Puerto Rico.  But as time goes on, pressure is mounting for aid to flood, hurricane, and fire victims in states. At the same time, over a million people have lost much of their food assistance in Puerto Rico, and Medicaid cuts are growing more imminent in Guam, American Samoa, and other territories.  All people, whether they live in Alabama or Puerto Rico, deserve relief and recovery from disaster.

Because of the stalemate, an important senator has signaled he’s willing to accommodate more funding for the territories. And Senators Schumer and Leahy are moving forward with an amendment to add aid for the newest flood victims in the Midwest as well as the needed funding for the territories.

It's been over 18 months since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. More than one-third of the island’s residents – 1.35 million – receive food aid. Starting in March, their nutrition assistance was cut, averaging 25 percent per family, but in some cases as much as 42 percent.

In addition, natural disasters have put stress on the healthcare systems of several U.S. territories. That's why the next disaster relief bill should also include additional Medicaid funding for Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Your letter to your senators will show that people nationwide care about the U.S. citizens of these territories and that their needs must be met in the disaster aid bill that's ultimately signed by the President. Click "Start Writing" to see text you can edit and send to your Senators.