WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) released the following statement Thursday:

“The people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are American citizens and this Congress and the Administration must commit to supporting them following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands deserve the full attention of the Federal Government.

This morning, the House took the first step in passing tax relief legislation for hurricane survivors from the island – as well as those impacted in Florida, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands – so they keep more of their paycheck, deduct more of the costs from the extensive property damage, and get immediate access (without penalties) to their retirement savings for initial recovery.

I am grateful that the FEMA search and rescue teams have accessed 90 percent of Puerto Rico, conducting search and rescue operations and helping to assess hospitals.  More than 180 Federal Law Enforcement Officers are in San Juan and the U.S. Virgin Islands supporting search and rescue, medical teams, and other federal responders, and more are on their way.

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those impacted, our military men and women serving and all first responders on scene."