Blumenthal, fellow senators tour Puerto Rico

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Sunday called for a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, leaving millions without power and basic services.

“We are on the verge of failing Puerto Rico,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, DConn, said during a conference call with four other senators — two Democrats and two Republicans — after returning from a tour of the island.

“There needs to be a Marshall Plan for rebuilding and recovery,” Blumenthal said. “We heard two major hotels are likely to close and others to follow.”

The “Marshall Plan,” was a far-reaching effort to rebuild Europe following World War II. Blumenthal and the other senators referenced it during Sunday’s conference call to illustrate the depth of work needed in Puerto Rico.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., said while many homes and buildings remain intact despite the force of the storm, only about 10 percent of the country has power and cell phone service is nonexistent.

U.S. Sen Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y. added that many residents still do not have access to water, food and medical care.

“Congress needs to look at how best to fund its rebuilding,” Gillibrand said. “We need to have electricity working and a rebuilding of the whole grid.”

The senators agreed that providing the basics — food, water and power — is the immediate task. But they said billions will likely be needed to restore Puerto Rico’s decimated economy.

Blumenthal said the island’s plight is “compounded” by Puerto Rico’s bankruptcy and the financial control board overseeing the crisis. Puerto Rico is a U.S territory and its residents are U.S. citizens.

“(Puerto Rico) owes $70 billion with no plan of paying it,” Blumenthal said. “Puerto Rico will run out of money by the end of the year along with other essential services. We have to keep in mind the need for immediate financial relief.”