After two major hurricanes devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, Congress approved almost $20 billion in disaster aid. But the Trump administration has refused to send $18 billion of this relief after more than two years. And now a second humanitarian crisis has hit the island. Tens of thousands were still living under temporary blue tarps, when, in December, earthquakes and aftershocks began. All this on top of a debt-crisis caused by a 12-year recession and years of forced austerity, coupled with tax relief to corporations. As we go to press, there are massive popular protests in Puerto Rico, a sign of continuing discontent with the colonial administration of the island and with the US government’s response to the crisis. Still the US government continues to abandon Puerto Rico, whose people are American citizens. The US has the resources to provide immediate help and restore Puerto Rico both physically and economically, and indeed to care for all of our people. This humanitarian disaster aid must be released NOW! — The Editors
