Puerto Rico is still waiting for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to release millions in emergency relief funds to help the island recover from a series of damaging earthquakes and hurricanes.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut says he wants an investigation into the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to see if the delay in releasing funds is illegal.
“That’s a potential violation of the Impoundment Control Act, which requires funds that are appropriated and allocated by Congress have to be spent by the administration. It’s the law. People’s lives are in the balance. We’re talking here about schools, health centers, hospitals, roads...basics...that are needed by the people of Puerto Rico to recover and survive and thrive.”
HUD put severe restrictions on more than $18 million in block grants allocated over two years ago to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria.
