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For Immediate Release
Contact: Email:,coord(at)jubileeusa.org

House Delays Disaster Package for Puerto Rico, US States and Territories

Religious Development Group Releases Statement

WASHINGTON

The House of Representatives delayed a vote on a $19.1 billion disaster bill that would aid Americans in a number of US States and Territories. After the disaster supplemental passed the Senate on Thursday, the House attempted a voice vote which requires "unanimous consent." Texas Representative Chip Roy blocked the vote. The full House won't vote until June, when Members of Congress return from recess. The legislation, expected to be signed into law by the White House, includes nearly $1 billion in funds for Puerto Rico and expedites the release of $8.9 billion already approved for Puerto Rico disaster relief.

Eric LeCompte the Executive Director of Jubilee USA, a religious development organization, releases the following statement:

"The House of Representatives must follow the Senate and pass disaster relief for millions of suffering Americans.

"More than a million Americans in Puerto Rico lost disaster food assistance in March and they are still waiting for that aid to be restored."

Jubilee USA Network is an interfaith, non-profit alliance of religious, development and advocacy organizations. We are 75 U.S. institutions and more than 750 faith groups working across the United States and around the globe. We address the structural causes of poverty and inequality in our communities and countries around the world.

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