Rep. Espaillat Wants Federal Help to Resettle Puerto Ricans in NY

Members of Congress say the federal government should make plans for large-scale resettlement of Puerto Ricans to the mainland, including New York City.

Democratic Congressmen Adriano Espaillat of Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, and Luis Gutierrez of Chicago visited Puerto Rico this week. Guitierrez said he doesn't know how many people will leave the hurricane-scarred island, but that anyone who needs or wants to leave should receive help from the federal government.

They compared the storm response to Hurricane Katrina, where federal agencies helped hundreds of thousands of New Orleans residents find new homes in Houston and other cities.

Espaillat said he's helping to evacuate children who need medical treatment.

“We’ve already got commitment for transportation for them," he said. "And then we need to get the commitment of the hospitals in New York state.”

Espaillat feared a widespread health crisis in Puerto Rico because mountainous and more remote sections of the island are in dire shape.

Both men said the situation is Puerto Rico is more serious that President Donald Trump indicated during his visit Tuesday.

Espaillat has compiled a 10-point plan to help the island. First on the list is Congress approving $20 billion to help Puerto Rico rebuild power, water and other essential services.