President Biden spoke to Governor Pedro Pierluisi today from Air Force One while returning from the State Funeral for Queen Elizabeth II. President Biden and the Governor discussed the immediate needs of the people of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Fiona. President Biden described the surge of Federal support to the island, where more than 300 Federal personnel are already working to assist with response and recovery. In the coming days, as damage assessments are conducted, the President said that number of support personnel will increase substantially.
The President said that he will ensure that the Federal team remains on the job to get it done, especially given that Puerto Rico is still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Maria five years ago this week. Governor Pierluisi expressed his appreciation for the partnership and support that he is receiving already from the Biden Administration.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel to Puerto Rico tomorrow to meet with State and local officials and impacted citizens and assess urgent needs that the President has directed FEMA to meet.
