Puerto Rico Debt Cancelation Bill "First Step Towards a Just and Equitable Recovery"

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders introduced the “U.S. Territorial Relief Act of 2018” that would cancel tens of billions of dollars of Puerto Rico’s debt and relieve the debt of other U.S. territories ravaged by hurricanes.

In response, Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter issued the following statement:

“We applaud Senators Warren and Sanders for introducing this important bill that will help the recovery of Puerto Rico and other territories ravaged by climate disasters. Before Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico was ravaged by another disaster: austerity. Policies directed at enriching Wall Street and impoverishing communities are terrible in the best of times. After Hurricane Maria, austerity measures and privatization threats as a response to Puerto Rico’s mounting debt proved cataclysmic for humanitarian efforts and the island’s recovery.

“Congress must pass this bill. It is a first step towards a just and equitable recovery that prioritizes safe food, clean water, and sustainable energy over Wall Street profits.”

Food & Water Watch champions healthy food and clean water for all. We stand up to corporations that put profits before people, and advocate for a democracy that improves people’s lives and protects our environment.

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Contact: Darcey Rakestraw, 202-683-2467; [email protected]