For Immediate Release

Office of the Press Secretary

Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON – Today, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke traveled to Puerto Rico to observe Hurricane Maria response and recovery efforts, and to meet with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló and other local officials.

The Acting Secretary, along with Governor Rosselló, took an aerial tour of the island to assess firsthand the damage Hurricane Maria caused to Puerto Rico. She also met with first responders, volunteers, and federal workers coordinating recovery efforts, and thanked them for their ongoing 24-hour life-saving operations.

During a press conference Acting Secretary Duke stated, “Despite working together, I know that the people in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are suffering. We are here, and we have been here to help them. We are continually bringing additional supplies and personnel to further assist distribution efforts on the ground.

“The President and I will not be fully satisfied, however, until every Puerto Rican is back home, the power is back on, clean water is fully available, schools and hospitals are fully open, and the Puerto Rican economy is working.”

The Acting Secretary was joined by Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez- Colon, TSA Administrator David Pekoske, and U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Karl Schultz.

The top priority of the federal government is continuing to provide life safety and life sustaining resources to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FEMA and its federal partners are continuing 24-hour operations to reach survivors.

Acting Secretary Duke and Governor Rosselló survey the region during an aerial brief. (DHSOfficial Photo/Jetta Disco)

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