Resident commissioner joins disaster preparedness caucus

By THE STAR STAFF

Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón, along with seven other members of Congress from both parties representing areas commonly impacted by natural disasters, will serve in the re-formed Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus for the 118th Congress.

Along with Reps. Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-La.), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Carlos A. Giménez (R-Fla.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.)

and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), González Colón (R-P.R.) noted that for this Congress, the caucus aims to promote legislation and policies that provide efficient and equitable relief for disaster survivors and promote measures that pave the way for disaster survivors in affected communities to recover completely.

The caucus will also advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs that help save lives, while preparing American communities for the disasters ahead, González Colón said in a press release.

The co-chairs of the caucus represent regions experiencing a wide variety of natural disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires to floods, and all have gone straight through the disaster recovery process. The caucus is made up of leaders from across the political spectrum and across the country to advocate for better disaster preparedness and recovery systems.

“Communities across the nation are affected by a variety of natural disasters each year, putting citizens at risk and impacting our health and economy. Puerto Rico is no exception, as it recently experienced disasters including devastating hurricanes and earthquakes,” González Colón said. “As members of Congress, we must continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including federal agencies, to develop legislation and leverage resources that will help those affected. I am proud to serve as cochair of this bipartisan caucus to ensure greater disaster preparedness and response.”

“Storms know no borders, and neither should our nation’s disaster preparedness or recovery systems,” added

Carter. “As the climate crisis makes extreme weather events more frequent and intense, we must work together to save lives and strengthen our systems. This bipartisan caucus is committed to advocating for effective preparedness and recovery measures and programs that better serve the American people and leave no one behind.”